If you’re looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit and stay active this season, you’re in luck: We’ve found some fun, festive local events that’ll help you burn off that inevitable holiday stress while giving back to some worthwhile causes. There’s a workout style for everyone, check them out below.
INVOKE STUDIO BY-DONATION YOGA TO BENEFIT COBURN PLACE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH AT 9 A.M.
Invoke Studio is hosting a “Heated By Donation” yoga class on Thanksgiving Day at the Invoke Wellness Center on 86th Street, with all proceeds going directly to Coburn Place, a local organization that offers supportive services and housing options to survivors of interpersonal abuse. This one-hour class is also available on livestream, and students can choose to donate $10, $15, $25, or $50 to participate.
WHEELER MISSION DRUMSTICK DASH
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25th, STARTING AT 9 A.M.
Wheeler Misson’s Drumstick Dash is a unique way to get your exercise in early before you enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. There’s a 4.6 mile “Full Gobbler” run/walk around Broad Ripple, a 2.75 mile “Mini Gobbler” run/walk, a free “Lil’ Gobbler’s Run” for kids 12 and under, as well as a virtual option, and 100% of the proceeds help Wheeler Mission provide meals and care for those experiencing homelessness in our community.
AFTER THE TURKEY BURN!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27th AT 8 A.M.
Led by Maddie Jennings at the Fitness Garage in Carmel, this $20 event will be a one-hour high-intensity boot camp-style class with cardio, weights, and functional movement. Women, men, and kids 16+ are welcome, and 50% of the proceeds will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
SANTA HUSTLE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, STARTING AT 8:30 A.M.
You can get the whole family in on the fun at the Santa Hustle, taking place at White River State Park. There’s a kid’s dash at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 5K for adults, and holiday costumes like Santa suits are highly encouraged. A portion of proceeds benefits the Little Red Door Cancer Agency, and the event organizers will also be accepting new, unwrapped toys on-site for Toys for Tots.
THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION’S JINGLE BELL RUN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, STARTING AT 8:30 A.M.
The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run, located at Grand Park in Westfield, is a fantastic way to get dressed in your holiday gear while racing to raise funds and awareness for arthritis. The festive day will feature timed 5K and 10K races, an untimed 5K, and a “Rudolph Run” for kids 12 and under, so runners at every skill level can participate.
DOWNWARD DOGS & LITTLE HOGS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18TH AT 10 A.M.
If you love yoga, a good cause, and cute little pigs, then break out your yoga mat and get ready to exercise among some live piglets from Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, an organization in Central Indiana that’s committed to rescuing pigs. A $35 ticket gets you a 45-minute holiday-time yoga session hosted at Metazoa Brewing Company, a treat, and a selfie with a pig—you just need to be age 21 and over to attend this presale-only event.
Stephanie Groves is an Indianapolis-based freelance writer who needs to break a sweat more often.
All of our content—including this article—is completely free. However, we’d love if you would please consider supporting our journalism with an Indy Maven membership.
