CORE Florida & Survival of the FITtest
We’re on the final countdown to the 2025 Survival of the FITtest competition, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with the CORE Foundation for this incredible event! On Sunday, May 4th, 19 athletes—the highest number to date—will gather at Lake Mary Performance & Therapy (635 Century Pt Unit 111, Lake Mary, FL 32746) to compete, connect, and celebrate the power of adaptive fitness. From first-time competitors to some of the fiercest adaptive athletes in the country, these individuals have been training hard and are ready to bring their best while having fun.
This event is all about bringing the community together, raising awareness for adaptive fitness, and empowering athletes to move more. With 24 dedicated volunteers ensuring everything runs smoothly, and over $5,000 raised through your generous support, we’ve covered all athlete costs—including awards, t-shirts, and day-of necessities. Plus, additional funds will go to the CORE Foundation to provide scholarships for individuals in our community to participate in activity-based training. That’s the spirit of inclusive fitness in action—thank you for making this possible!
CORE Florida: Empowering Movement Every Day
At the heart of this event is the CORE Foundation, also known as the Center Of Recovery & Exercise (CORE Florida), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through activity-based training. Based in Altamonte Springs, CORE Florida works daily to support individuals with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy. Their mission is to bridge the gap between clinical therapy and lifelong fitness, helping clients regain functional movement and independence.
Through personalized, intensive training programs, CORE Florida offers one-on-one sessions that focus on improving strength, coordination, and mobility. Their facility is equipped with specialized tools like the Galileo Vibration Platform for muscle stimulation, the MyoCycle for functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling, and the Total Gym GTS for gravity-based resistance training. They also provide holistic services such as massage therapy, mental health counseling, and caregiver support, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery and wellness. By fostering a community of support, CORE Florida empowers individuals to push beyond their limitations and reclaim their quality of life.
The Impact of Aftercare Therapy Facilities on the Adaptive Community
Aftercare therapy facilities like CORE Florida play a critical role in driving functional movement for people who are injured or impaired. For individuals with neurological conditions, traditional therapy often ends after a set period, leaving a gap in care that can hinder long-term progress. Facilities like CORE step in to fill this gap, offering specialized programs that focus on repetitive, task-specific exercises to retrain the nervous system and rebuild muscle memory. This approach—known as activity-based therapy—helps clients improve daily functions like walking, grasping objects, or maintaining balance, which can dramatically enhance their independence.
The ability to attend these treatment facilities is life-changing for the adaptive community. For many, it means regaining the confidence to perform everyday tasks, reducing reliance on caregivers, and reconnecting with activities they love—whether that’s playing with their kids, returning to work, or competing in events like Survival of the FITtest. Beyond physical gains, these facilities provide a supportive community where individuals can share their journeys, celebrate milestones, and find inspiration. For adaptive athletes, access to such programs can be the difference between watching from the sidelines and stepping onto the competition floor, as seen with the 19 athletes joining us on May 4th. CORE Florida’s work doesn’t just rebuild bodies—it rebuilds lives, fostering resilience, hope, and a sense of belonging.
Event Schedule Highlights
Here’s a quick look at the competition day schedule:
- 9:00 AM: Athlete check-in, Workout 1 & 2 setup, and warm-up.
- 9:30 AM: Judges meeting.
- 10:00 AM: Welcome and sponsor thank-you.
- 10:05 AM: Workouts 1 & 2 review for athletes.
- 10:20 AM – 11:10 AM: Workouts 1 & 2 – “The Force Awakens” (10-minute time cap) and “High Ground” (10-minute AMRAP). Athletes will be split into three heats, with two heats competing simultaneously:
- 10:20 – 10:30 AM: Heat 1 (Workout 1); Heat 2 (Workout 2)
- 10:40 – 10:50 AM: Heat 3 (Workout 1); Heat 1 (Workout 2)
- 11:00 – 11:10 AM: Heat 2 (Workout 1); Heat 3 (Workout 2)
- 11:25 AM: Workout 3 review for athletes.
- 11:30 AM – 12:10 PM: Workout 3 – “Dueling Fates” (7-minute EMOM):
- 11:40 AM – 11:50 AM: Heat 1 & Heat 2 (split)
- 12:00 PM – 12:10 PM: Heat 2 (split) & Heat 3
- 12:30 PM: Awards ceremony—podium winners will receive a $50 gift card from Equip Products to gear up for their next challenge!
A Special Invitation to Our Sponsors
We’d love for all sponsors to join us at the event and witness firsthand the impact you’re making in our community. Your support is helping athletes thrive, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! If your sponsorship level includes a company booth setup, please arrive no later than 8:30 AM, as athlete check-in begins at 9:00 AM. Note that tables and chairs are not provided, so plan accordingly.
For more details, reach out to Event Coordinator Malerie Robinson at 407-791-4412 or malerie@coreflorida.com.
Join the Movement with Equip Products
At Equip Products, we’re proud to support events like Survival of the FITtest that empower adaptive athletes and promote inclusive fitness. Our $50 gift cards for podium winners are a small token of appreciation for the incredible effort these athletes bring to the competition. Whether you’re an athlete, sponsor, or supporter, we invite you to explore our adaptive fitness gear—like the LapMat™, Multi Ropes™, Concept2 Ski Erg and our Ski Erg Handle Hooks—to enhance your training and daily movement.
Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of our current promotions: Sign up on our website, Equip Products, for updates and special discounts, we send them out frequently. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X(formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn for updates from the event and more ways to get involved.
Thank you to everyone who’s made this event possible—May the 4th be with you!