The November Project

Despite its name, the November Project happens every week, 12 months a year, across North America – including right here in Kelowna.

The November Project is an entirely free “fitness movement” born in Boston, as a way to stay in shape during cold New England months.

It is called The November Project as it started in November and was meant to last one month – now it is a movement that is gaining traction all across the US and Canada.

The Kelowna group is part of a ‘tribe’ of thousands of fitness enthusiasts in about 25 different cities who show up once a week, outside, in any weather  – to get fit and have fun while building a community.

Kelowna personal trainers, Roz Huber of New Wave Fitness and Keith Lanouette Wells of Oranj, decided to start the Kelowna ‘tribe’ in the summer.

“Our tribe is one of six Canadian cities which is really, really awesome,” says Huber. “We started this pledge seven weeks ago.”

Huber says the movement uses a sense of accountability to motivate and encourage people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels to get out of their beds and get moving.

“We wanted to create something long term, something that we can continue to build in this community in the name of fitness – and, in the name of free fitness,” says Huber. 

Huber says the motto is to #justshowup.

“It is for everyone. It is always free and the thing is, it is all about community,” says Roz. “It is about being a part of these really great workouts, but also creating a sense of community at the same time.”

Participants never have to bring money and no equipment is necessary.

Local attendees range from professional athletes to fitness rookies and recent couch potatoes looking to kick start their healthy life choices.

“The best part about the workout is that it is scalable to all levels,” says Huber. “So anyone can do this, it is for everyone and anyone. You’ll know that you can get a challenge whether you’ve been a fitness buff forever or if you’re just getting started.”

Huber says if you think that you’re not fit enough to join the group, stop thinking and come see what it is all about.

“The response has been so cool, we’ve been really, really welcomed,” says Huber. “People seem to really love it and they have a lot of fun.”

Huber says the weekly workout has been popular as well. The Kelowna tribe’s second week saw nearly 80 fitness enthusiasts attend. Now, as the weather changes, the group averages about 40 participants a week, but the word keeps spreading.

“We have such a great group of people who consistently show up,” says Huber, who adds that regardless of rain, snow, sleet or ice – the workout is on.

“The cool thing is that we are weatherproof,” adds Huber.

“As the weather changes and it snows we can adjust the workouts to make them doable. We have realized that as the weather gets a little bit more wild, the workouts are that much better.”

The Kelowna tribe meets every Wednesday morning at the base of Knox Mountain at 6:29 a.m. sharp.

You can get more information by checking out the Facebook group here.