The Fresno Institute of Health & Fitness is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 to provide people of all ages and abilities safe, free access to activities aimed at improving health, fitness, and eating habits. Our mission is to reduce the incidence of preventable chronic disease, especially in underserved areas, by providing/facilitating

• Group exercise classes
• Personal fitness training
• Instruction of healthy nutrition
• Basic health/fitness assessments
• Youth physical education programs  
• Scientific research that increases awareness
• Opportunities that empower students to become fitness promoters and leaders

Why the need for our organization?

Unfortunately, obesity in both adults and children has reached epidemic proportions in the Central Valley. Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of developing multiple disorders, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and many cancers.

The Central California Children's Institute has reported that childhood overweight and obesity has increased 28% since 2001 in the Central Valley, and other reports also reveal similar increases in overweight and obesity among adults.

According to the California Health Interview Survey, a relatively higher prevalence of obesity exists in minority and lower-income populations, especially here in the Valley.

Alongside obesity, many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease, are also significantly prevalent in Central California.  Like obesity, these conditions are disproportionately more prevalent in minority and low SES communities.

Two main culprits at the root of these dilemmas have been decreasing levels of habitual physical activity and frequent consumption of unhealthy food products. Poor diet together with lack of physical activity is now considered the second leading cause of death in the US. The good news is that obesity and certain chronic diseases can be prevented with regular physical activity and adequate nutrition.  The American Cancer Society reported that programs for healthy eating and physical activity would significantly reduce the incidence of many chronic diseases.

Since very few, if any, organizations in Fresno provide free fitness training, nutrition instrution, and health programs to all ages and abilities, we feel that the FIHF provides much needed services.  By aiming to improve physical fitness and eating habits with our programs, we hope to help decrease the prevalence of chronic disease in Central California.

"As fitness level declines, the risk of heart attack and stroke rises" -Journal of American Medical Association