Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Mindbody Announce “Relay for Relief”
Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Mindbody Announce “Relay for Relief”
World’s Largest Virtual Workout Relay to Benefit COVID-19 Response and Recovery
NEW YORK, April 29, 2020 – Men's Health and Women's Health, the most established wellness media brands published across six continents, and Mindbody, the leading technology platform for the wellness industry, today announced “Relay for Relief” – a global 24-hour relay initiative taking place on Friday, May 15 through Saturday, May 16, 2020 to benefit COVID-19 response and recovery.
Coming together for a first-of-its-kind digital event, the three brands will partner to host the world’s largest virtual workout relay, with a full day and night of back-to-back streaming workouts led by top fitness trainers and influencers internationally.
Individuals across the globe can register for one or more of the 48 consecutive, 30-minute fitness classes curated by the editors of Men’s Health and Women’s Health and the team at Mindbody by visiting mindbody.io/m/RelayforRelief. Programming scheduled throughout the 24hour event will range in style from HIIT and strength classes to yoga and meditation sessions, with offerings spanning all levels of fitness. Classes will cost $10 each, with proceeds benefiting United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery fund.
Businesses are able to list and market virtual classes and services on the Mindbody app and Mindbody.io, which in recent days has seen a 500% increase in virtual classes due in large part to social distancing and shelter in place orders. Last week, a new search filter was added to the Mindbody app and Mindbody.io to help consumers more easily find and book virtual fitness classes and wellness experiences so they can continue their routines from the comfort of their home.
“Fitness is a uniting force for our millions of readers and followers who are looking for a safe, healthy outlet to help them cope with the monumental changes happening in the world at this time,” said Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Liz Plosser. “‘Relay for Relief’ will provide an opportunity to support others while simultaneously doing good for one’s own body and mind.”
“The power, authority and scale of our combined brands in the wellness space is unparalleled,” said Men's Health Editor-in-Chief Richard Dorment. “We are in a unique position to unite the fitness community and to provide a platform for those whose livelihoods have been affected by recent events, enabling our massive audiences to sweat for a greater cause.”
“Relay for Relief” comes as businesses and consumers have taken their workouts online in response to social distancing. Since March 2020, Men's Health and Women's Health have programmed daily workouts through Instagram Live, and according to Mindbody, over 10,000 studios have launched their first virtual class. In-app bookings through the Mindbody app are up 88.3%, and mindbody.io bookings/purchases have increased 1655% year-over-year. During April 2 to April 20, 73% of Mindbody consumers reported using pre recorded video versus 17% in 2019, and 85% are using livestream classes versus 7% in 2019.
“COVID-19 is having a hugely disruptive impact on the wellness industry, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Men's Health and Women's Health in order to provide some relief to business owners and practitioners,” said Mindbody CEO and Co-founder Rick Stollmeyer. &ldquoWith this disruption comes both near-term challenges and long-term opportunities. We at Mindbody are utterly convinced that the wellness industry will grow even faster in a post-COVID-19 environment and that many existing businesses will thrive and new businesses will emerge.”
Following class registration or simply by visiting unitedway.org/relayforrelief, participants are invited to make additional donations to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery fund as individuals or teams, enabling further relief toward essential services across the world.
&ldquoUnited Way Worldwide knows that a community is only as healthy as the people who call it home. We are grateful to the trainers and coaches throughout the world who encourage a culture of health, fitness and mindfulness,” said United Way Worldwide U.S. President Suzanne McCormick. &ldquoKeeping our bodies and minds strong and healthy develops the resilience required for the long road to recovery from COVID-19.”
For more information and a forthcoming class schedule, visit mindbody.io/m/RelayforRelief.
To donate to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery fund on behalf of Relay for Relief, visit unitedway.org/relayforrelief.
ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH
Men’s Health is the No.1 source of information for and about men, delivering the latest news and most credible reporting on health, fitness, nutrition, relationships, entertainment, style and gear, tech and more. Launched in 1988 and published by Hearst Magazines, Men’s Health is the largest and most trusted multi-platform men’s brand in the world with a growing monthly audience of 45 million (GfK MRI Fall 2019; March 2020 comScore Multi-Platform; April 2020 Social Comp Report), including 17.5 million monthly unique visitors to menshealth.com, 15.9 million social media followers, and distribution through 15 international editions. For the latest from Men’s Health, visit menshealth.com and get instant updates on Twitter (@MensHealthMag), Facebook (Mens Health) and Instagram (@MensHealthMag).
ABOUT WOMEN'S HEALTH
Women's Health is the largest wellness media brand for women, providing readers with the motivation and inspiration to make positive, healthy changes in their lives. Launched in 2005 and published by Hearst Magazines, the brand reaches a growing monthly audience of 45 million (GfK MRI Fall 2019; March 2020 comScore Multi-Platform; April 2020 Social Comp Report), including 18.9 million monthly unique visitors to womenshealthmag.com, 15.5 million social media followers, and distribution through 12 international editions. Rooted in the belief that “wellness changes everything,” the brand has received numerous industry accolades, most recently being named to Adweek's annual “Hot List” every consecutive year from 2014-2019. For the latest from Women’s Health, visit womenshealthmag.com and get instant updates on Twitter (@WomensHealthMag) and Facebook (Women's Health Magazine) and Instagram (@WomensHealthMag).
ABOUT HEARST MAGAZINES
Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 25 powerful brands in the U.S., inspire and entertain audiences across all media platforms. Hearst Magazines’ print and digital assets reach nearly 165 million readers and site visitors each month — 70% of all millennials and 69% of all Gen Z, age 18+ (source: comScore/MRI 1-20/S19). The company publishes over 300 editions and 245 websites around the world and attracts more readers of monthly magazines than any other publisher.
ABOUT MINDBODY
Mindbody is the leading technology platform for the wellness industry. Local entrepreneurs worldwide use Mindbody's integrated software and payments platform to run, market and grow their businesses. Consumers use Mindbody to more easily find, engage and transact with wellness businesses in their local communities. For more information on how Mindbody is helping people lead healthier, happier lives by connecting the world to wellness, visit mindbodyonline.com.
UNITED WAY
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.