WHO WE ARE
Welcome to Fit to the Core, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving overall health and fitness of people in under-resourced communities. We are an organization that focuses on promoting an active lifestyle among the aging population through our fitness programs. Fit to the Core was established in 2019, just prior to the pandemic, by Tracie VanHook, an executive director and professional trainer with over 30 years of experience in fitness training and functional aging. Tracie is driven to create a world where everyone can age well, regardless of their underlying health, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Through Fit To The Core, she has created a team of passionate individuals promoting holistic wellness and building programs to serve their communities
Our Campaigns
Our Services
Community Weekly Fitness & Activity Programs
"The Movement" Neighborhood Community Walking Groups
Thrive & Strive Workshops: Mastering Movement for Aging Adults
Core Values
Professionalism
Fit to the Core is a team of professional trainers with extensive fitness knowledge and experience. We are committed to creating results-driven, personalized fitness plans.
Collaboration
We strive to form meaningful partnerships with volunteers, community members and leaders, and other organizations to realize our goals and advance our mission.
Integrity
We seek to be a reliable nonprofit by remaining honest and transparent in our endeavors. We are committed to upholding the highest moral and ethical standards.
Compassion
We care deeply about the holistic well-being of aging adults in under-resourced communities. That's why we serve with empathy, dignity, and courtesy.
Innovation
We seek to excel by embracing continuous improvement. We challenge ourselves to create new solutions for aging people, gathered from the leading research on health, wellness, and active lifestyles
OUR PROJECTS
Outdoor Fitness Class
Stay Strong, Live Long! Fitness for 40+
Empowering Adults 40 and Beyond Through Community Fitness
The “Stay Strong, Live Long! Fitness for 40+” summer program is designed to help adults aged 40 and over stay active, healthy, and connected. This outdoor fitness series takes place three times a week at Joe Davis Park in East Palo Alto and focuses on promoting physical strength, balance, and cardiovascular health through a variety of safe, yet challenging exercises tailored for aging adults. Each session brings participants together in a supportive and social environment, making fitness fun while fostering a sense of community.
Program Highlights:
- Location: Joel Davis Park, 1960 Tate Street, East Palo Alto, CA
- Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 PM
- Focus: Full-body strength, functional fitness, balance, and cardiovascular workouts designed for adults 40 and older
- Inclusive Environment: Every fitness level is welcome, with modifications offered for different abilities
“Stay Strong, Live Long!” is more than a workout—it’s a chance to build connections, improve your fitness, and embrace a healthier lifestyle in your 40s and beyond.
Intergenerational Fitness in the Park
Intergenerational Fitness in the Park
Bridging Generations Through Fitness and Fun
The “Intergenerational Fitness in the Park” project, held in the summer of 2022, was a collaborative outdoor fitness initiative aimed at bringing together different generations for shared physical activity. In partnership with Youth Community Services (YCS) of East Palo Alto, this program encouraged both young and older members of the community to stay active and engage with one another. Expert trainers led engaging workouts three times a week, featuring a variety of exercises designed to be accessible to all ages, from strength training to group games. This partnership helped promote a healthy, active lifestyle across generations. Over 300 participants joined in, making it one of our most successful and community-driven projects.
Program Highlights:
- Location: Joel Davis Park, 1960 Tate Street, East Palo Alto, CA
- Schedule: Three days a week during the summer of 2022
- Focus: Cross-generational activities designed to promote health, wellness, and fun for all ages
- Community Impact: Over 300 attendees from different generations participated
- Partnership: Collaborated with Youth Community Services (YCS) of East Palo Alto
“Intergenerational Fitness in the Park” showcased the power of community fitness to connect generations, creating a lasting impact on the health and wellness of families across East Palo Alto.