The best way to obtain a healthier body is through diet and exercise. The best way to obtain humility is through philanthropic work. Well, what if there was a way to achieve both? What if through exercise, you could give back to those less fortunate? There are a variety of national, non profit organizations, which aid those in need through several different types of exercise. This year for Christmas, instead of lazying by the fire with cocoa and gingerbread cookies; get up, get out, and help.

1. Kayak4AKure: In 2007, this organization kayaked the entire Mississippi River, in order to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer. This remarkable journey is just one out the several expeditions Kayak4AKure is involved in. The organization is comprised of a Kayak team, a street team (grassroots), and coaches. Each one of these teams is a key component to raising thousands of dollars each year for children with cancer.

2. Hike for Life: This growing non profit organization is the catalyst for raising money for area Crisis Pregnancy Centers and raising awareness of the dignity of all human life (from conception to natural death). Each year at several locations, within different states, Hike for Life holds hikes (varying in degrees of intensity), which draw hundreds of individuals. Since the creation of Hike for Life, they have raised thousands of dollars for their cause.

3. BikeMS: “100 rides. One destination. A world free of MS.” This mission statement is emblazoned on the homepage of the website, every BikeMS jersey, and in every competitors heart. Across the United States, BikeMS holds over 100 bike rides, in order to raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Do not be intimidated; you do not need to be Lance Armstrong – the bike rides vary in degrees of difficulty. The million dollars that BikeMS have raised, are directly contributed to the research and funds of Multiple Sclerosis.

4. Team In Training (TNT): This is the biggest organization endurance training, non profit organization. TNT (an organization affiliated with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) participates in several different types of endurance races, such as, triathlons, marathons, bike races, and hikes. Each event TNT holds raises millions of dollars, which are contributed to the research and studies of blood cancer. Over the past 20 years, 390,000 individuals have participated in their events around the nation.