Gym Brands Honor 25th Anniversary of 9/11 With Stair Climbs, Fundraisers

Retro Fitness, Crunch Fitness, LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness are among the gym brands bringing members and first responders together in remembrance

As the United States marks the 25th anniversary of September 11th, fitness operators across the country are bringing their communities together to honor first responders and those who lost their lives through memorial stair climbs, fundraisers and free gym access.

Retro Fitness is once again holding 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs across its nationwide club network, this year partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

On Sept. 11, members, non-members and first responders are invited to complete 110 flights of stairs, or 2,071 steps, representing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers. First responders can also work out for free that day.

Retro is extending the initiative beyond the climb itself. From Aug. 15 through Sept. 15, members and guests can make point-of-sale donations, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the NFFF. The gym brand is also supporting the organization’s #ForThe343 movement, which honors the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

“This annual initiative holds deep significance for our Retro Fitness franchise family, our members and the neighborhoods we serve,” Retro Fitness chief brand officer Kim Gouch said. “It’s a meaningful reflection of our commitment to showing up for our communities and creating authentic connections that extend beyond the walls of our gyms.”

Crunch Fitness franchisees are also bringing back the stair climb tradition on a sizable scale.

CR Fitness Holdings, one Crunch’s largest franchisees, will hold its annual 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge Remembrance across its 98 open gyms in Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Members, non-members and first responders can attempt the same symbolic 110-flight climb, recording their contributions afterward as a collective act of remembrance.

Ahead of the event, CR Fitness team members are also visiting local fire stations to thank first responders and deliver refreshments and other tokens of appreciation.

“Our annual 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge brings the Crunch community together to honor those who answered the call with selfless bravery and to ensure their legacy of service is never forgotten,” CR Fitness CEO Tony Scrimale said.

Another top Crunch franchisee, Fit Fusion, is hosting its own 9/11 Tribute Stair Climb at 20 locations across eight states in partnership with the NFFF.

Participants can complete the full 110-flight climb, walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes or make a donation. Those who participate or donate will be entered for a chance to win a free year of Crunch membership, with money raised supporting the NFFF’s programs for families of fallen firefighters and the fire service.

LA Fitness is joining the effort this year with its inaugural 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, scheduled for Sept. 11-13 at select clubs nationwide.

Members, guests, first responders and other community members can take on 110 flights on StairMaster machines. Participating locations may also feature firefighter appearances, special fitness classes, live DJs and local vendors.

LA Fitness is working with the NFFF to raise money for the organization and will offer first responders a complimentary 30-day guest pass redeemable at participating clubs between Sept. 11 and 13.

“The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is an opportunity for our members, guests, and local communities to come together and remember the heroes who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness on September 11th,” Fitness International president of club operations Jill Hill said.

24 Hour Fitness is similarly opening its doors on Sept. 11, offering free guest access alongside three memorial workouts and an “I Climbed For” tribute board where participants can honor those they’re remembering.