MUSCATINE, Iowa–With three months to go before the Muscatine Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the athletes at Impact Fitness and Nutrition continue to raise money and awareness for this cause. On July 1 at 8:45 a.m., the community may participate in the Workout to End Alzheimer’s at Impact Fitness and Nutrition’s gym (1903 Park Avenue Suite 9100 in Muscatine) to get in some excellent exercise that also supports the Alzheimer’s Association.

Since opening Impact Fitness and Nutrition, owners Autumn and Scott Schultz have sought ways to engage with the community and motivate people to try more movement activities. When they joined the Muscatine Walk to End Alzheimer’s board, the Schultzes realized they could combine their passion for supporting the Alzheimer’s association with their mission to get people moving. Autumn Schultz recalled, “That’s where we came up with Workout to End Alzheimer’s, where we can raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association, and at the same time create a fun environment to work out.”

This year, people may come out to Impact’s gym on the morning of July 1 and enter from either the mall doors nearest Jimmy John’s or their direct entrance at the back of that mall, near A&G Products. The workout will begin with a 10-minute warmup, followed by a class led and monitored by experienced coaches, and end with recovery and guided meditation. A routine suitable for long-time athletes and curious newcomers alike, the Schultz encourages anyone interested to bring a friend and give the Workout to End Alzheimer’s a try, as coaches can offer modifications to adapt the workout for individuals’ needs. “A great piece of advice would be to bring someone who encourages you and supports you in your health and wellness goals!” encouraged Schultz, adding: “And it’s okay to laugh or feel silly with movements–we all had to start at that level at some point in our lives. We will have a lot of our Impact athletes there at the event, and they are always cheering each other on and motivating one another. That’s why I love Impact and our athletes so much!”

Impact Fitness and Nutrition will hold their Workout to End Alzheimer’s on July 1. Photo courtesy of Impact Fitness and Nutrition.

Anyone may take part in the Workout to End Alzheimer’s for free and should register beforehand by visiting Impact’s website.  Those wanting to support the Muscatine Walk to End Alzheimer’s goal of raising $40,000 this year and Impact’s goal of donating $3,000 may donate the day of the event via cash or check or using online directions available onsite.

Currently, more than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and over 11 million people provide them with unpaid care. The Shultzes have a personal connection with these statistics, as both of Scott Schultz’s parents suffered from Alzheimer’s or dementia. To help the Alzheimer’s Association support people living with these diseases and their caregivers and to fund research for treatments and cures, Autumn Schultz encourages people to get involved with the Workout to End Alzheimer’s. “I encourage people within our community to join us on July 1 and help us create awareness, raise funds, and most importantly just have fun as a community.”