2 For 1 Resolutions: Give Back & Get Fit
8 Simple Ideas for Getting Double the Bang for Your Good Efforts
Last Updated September 4, 2026
New Year, fresh goals, double the good! 💪💙 If your New Year’s resolutions include getting more active and giving back to your community, why not tackle both at the same time?
Active volunteering is the ultimate feel-good 2-for-1: you can get moving, make a meaningful difference, and spend quality time with friends and family along the way. From outdoor volunteer projects and community cleanups to charity walks and other hands-on service opportunities, there are plenty of ways to volunteer while staying active – and start the New Year doing good for yourself and others.
1. Sign Up to Be a Running Buddy
Organizations like Girls on the Run and Back on My Feet host regularly scheduled running events for their causes and need running volunteers to encourage participants along the way. Fun runs like these remove the pressure of competition, so you can walk or jog at your own pace. Events typically last just a couple of hours – easy to fit into a weekend morning.
2. Dedicate Your Workouts to a Cause
Not into group exercise? Apps like Charity Miles let you raise funds for good causes with every mile you log. Walk, run, or bike on your own schedule – with each step you take, corporate sponsors help you fight homelessness, hunger, or unemployment. No group commitment required.
3. Join a Charity Bike Ride or Swim
Charity rides and open-water swims are a great way to train toward a fitness goal while raising money for a cause you care about. Events like the American Heart Association's Heart Walk and Ride are held nationwide and welcome riders of all skill levels. Create a fundraising page, share it with friends, and let your training become your giving.
4. Plan an Impromptu or Organized Trail Cleanup
Give back to Mother Earth while getting your steps in! Make it a habit to carry gloves and a trash bag on your nature walks and hikes. Or turn it into a group effort: pick a date, invite friends and neighbors, and use SignUp to organize your group cleanup hike. It's a great way to get outside and make a visible difference in your community.
5. Volunteer in the Garden at Your Local Food Bank
Gardening is more of a workout than most people expect – there's plenty of walking, squatting, hoeing, and hauling involved. Sign up to volunteer in the garden at your local food bank and help grow the produce that provides families in need with fresh, nutritious meals. It's physical, purposeful, and deeply satisfying work.
6. Volunteer to Sort and Stock at a Food Pantry
Food pantries and community distribution centers need volunteers to receive donations, sort items, and stock shelves. It's an active, physical role – you'll be on your feet, carrying boxes, and moving throughout a warehouse or storage facility. Use SignUp to coordinate shifts for your group or join an existing pantry volunteer program in your area.
7. Walk a Shelter Dog
Give back, get fit, AND spend time with some dogs? Yes, please. Volunteer to walk a dog at your local animal shelter. Most shelters let you select a pup and sign up for time slots online. Check the website of your local shelter for their volunteer process and schedule.
8. Plan or Participate in a Charity Sports Tournament
Do what you love while paying it forward. Charity softball games, pickleball tournaments, and basketball fundraisers are popular community events where entry fees or pledges go to a local cause. Organize your own using SignUp to manage team registrations, volunteer roles, and spectator sign-ups... or simply join one already happening in your area.
Need more ideas for giving back? Check out SignUp's Community Action & Activism Resource Center for year-round inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I give back and get fit at the same time?
A: The best 2-for-1 activities combine physical movement with a community benefit. Walking a shelter dog, volunteering at a food bank garden, joining a charity run, or organizing a trail cleanup are all great ways to stay active while doing something meaningful. Apps like Charity Miles also let you log everyday workouts as fundraising miles.
Q: What are good New Year's resolution ideas for volunteering?
A: The most achievable volunteer resolutions are specific and low-commitment to start. Signing up for one recurring shift per month, committing to walk a shelter dog twice a month, or joining a charity 5K gives you a clear, manageable goal. Use SignUp to find and schedule volunteer opportunities so the commitment is visible and easy to follow through on.
Q: How do I use SignUp to organize a group volunteer activity?
A: Create a free SignUp with Spots for each task, shift, or role in your volunteer activity. Share the link with your group so people can claim what works for their schedule. SignUp sends automatic reminders so no one forgets their commitment – and you get a real-time view of who's signed up without any back-and-forth texts or emails.
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About the Author
Tara McAdams
Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist & Creator
Tara leads content strategy at SignUp and creates a variety of resources on a wide range of topics, including lifestyle trends, parent tips, prep for holidays, volunteer management, and event planning. More about Tara →
