Last year I walked around Union Square Park, NYC in my sports bra… and I wasn’t alone. Together with 200 other shirtless men and women, I was supporting S.E.A.K. Foundation’s Annual Sports Bra Challenge—an event that promotes confidence, boosts self-esteem, and funds year-round programming to support young teens who struggle with various social issues, including (but not limited to) bullying and obesity.

This year, I’ll be at it again for S.E.A.K.'s Sports Bra Challenge on Sunday, April 14th alongside 600 other participants. What does S.E.A.K. stand for, you might ask?

STRIVE. EMBRACE. ACHIEVE. KNOW.

S.E.A.K. is more than an acronym; it’s a not-for-profit organization founded in 2012 by Union Square NYC lululemon Ambassador Jenny Gaither and her friends Jocelyn Levy and Kelly Hurley. These three ladies created S.EA.K. Foundation as a voice and platform for women who struggle with body image and self-confidence.

what is the sports bra challenge?

The Sports Bra Challenge is an annual event that brings the fitness community together in Union Square Park, NYC.

The SBC was introduced by Jenny Gaither in 2011 as a 57-seat spin class at Soul Cycle. With the support of her loyal following and the NYC community, S.E.A.K. Foundation has grown this event - this year you can expect a full day of fitness fun, featuring two 300-seat spin sessions lead by four powerhouse Soul Cycle instructors: Gaither, Ayana Curtis, Stacey Griffith and Melanie Griffith, for a public display of empowerment in Union Square Park!

who can participate in the sports bra challenge?

YOU! The Sports Bra Challenge was created to encourage men and women to be comfortable in their own skin.

To participate, check out S.E.A.K. Foundation site to learn more exciting event details.

SPORTS BRA CHALLENGE 2013

Where: Union Square Park

When: April 14, 2013 from 10:00-4:00pm

How has S.E.A.K. Foundation made an impact in the community?

S.E.A.K. Foundation just turned one in January, and has already helped private and public school districts with their S.E.A.K. Builds Confidence Project.

S.E.A.K. founders, Jenny, Jocelyn and Kelly visit local schools to speak with students about a variety of topics including body image, bullying, obesity, academic performance and other challenges they face. After the group discussion, the students end their workshop with a fun exercise to implement healthy habits!

Jenny shines when she told us about the progress the foundation has made. “We’ve provided schools in need with workout equipment, and students with proper athletic clothing so they can be physically fit. I absolutely love these kids, and I’m so proud of their accomplishments! Since we started this program, I’ve met girls who struggle with obesity, and after joining our program they’ve already lost 30-40 pounds. They constantly amaze me and I cannot wait to reach out to more teachers to implement our after school program.”

How can you support The S.E.A.K. Foundation?

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, visit the S.E.A.K. website to see how you can contribute to their cause! And, if you’re in New York City on Sunday, April 14, dress in your lululemon best, and participate in the 2013 Sports Bra Challenge in Union Square Park, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. See you there!

On May 17^th 2012, it’s your sports bra’s time to shine…

the itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie bikini fear
Last May, as summer was approaching, I was overwhelmed by my annual beachwear anxiety. You know, that moment when you realize bikini season is right around the corner. Usually, I’m filled with dread but this particular year, there was a fire inside of me to change how I felt about myself. As a fitness instructor, I needed to own up to my role as a leader so I encouraged my riders to step out of their own comfort zones by facing a fear. I set a private, personal goal for myself to face my biggest fear of revealing my midriff. Why was this so scary? What was I trying to hide? I challenged myself to teach one of my SoulCycle classes wearing only a sports bra. When the class was over and I was still wearing my lame, gold jacket (yes, this class was Rihanna-themed), I was not only disappointed in myself but I felt like I had let down those riders who looked to me as someone who practices what she preaches.

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the midriff movement
At that moment, I realized that I could not face this challenge alone, I needed the support of my peers. The only way I was going to be able to overcome my biggest fear was if an entire class would join me by riding in their sports bras too. A simple, personal goal quickly turned into a small movement when two of my personal heroes, NBC'S The Biggest Loser Season 11 finalists Olivia Ward and Hannah Curlee got on board. On July 29, 2011 we bared it all in a class and stories from women across the country  who participated in their own mini Sports Bra Challenges came pouring in.

turn your dreams into plans
That July, I became an ambassador for the lululemon Union Square store. Through a goal coaching session (which includes the terrifying task of writing down my goals and discussing them) it became clear to me that I was not through with The Sports Bra Challenge. I wanted to continue to challenge, support and help women and men all over the country feel comfortable in their bodies and to embrace who they are. I decided that I was going to recreate The Sports Bra Challenge on a much larger scale and make it more accessible to people all over the country. That’s when my dream started to become a reality.

putting a spin on it
What started out as an event quickly turned into a foundation. In January 2012, I created S.E.A.K. Foundation; a non-profit organization that empowers people to be confident in who they are through educational programs and events focused on physical and emotional health. The Sports Bra Challenge is now an event that provides the funding for SEAK to implement after-school programs for teenage girls in New York City to develop their sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

the 2012 sports bra challenge
On Thursday, May 17, SEAK Foundation presents The Sports Bra Challenge 2012. This one-day outdoor fitness event will consist of two large-scale SoulCycle classes, a Vinyasa Yoga class and a (free, kids-only) signature Pound Class through Crunch Fitness. All proceeds from the event will benefit City of Hope's Positive Image Center and SEAK Foundation.

Come one, come all and get ready to grin and bare it. Registration for the event starts today!