Holiday Fitness Challenge with Spencer O’Brien
Weather Arthritis Storms Like a Pro for the Chance to Win an Arc’teryx Beta Jacket!
As the weather gets colder and the holiday season kicks into full gear, it can be tempting to abandon health and fitness goals for cozy nights on the couch.
However, for people living with arthritis, regular physical activity plays a vital role in managing arthritis symptoms and pain. This is even true for pro athletes like Spencer O’Brien.
“I’ve noticed a big difference if I’m not in good shape going into a season, and this builds up over time,” said Spencer, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few months before competing at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. “Even though snowboarding isn’t an endurance sport, we need an element of endurance in our bodies to last a winter.”
Spencer became Arthritis Research Canada’s spokesperson in 2019 to help build awareness about arthritis and dispel the myth that only older people get arthritis. She also hopes to inspire those with rheumatic diseases to take comfort in the fact that, through arthritis research, they can find answers and achieve a high quality of life.
This holiday season, Spencer will provide an inside look into her weekly fitness routine to encourage other people with arthritis to get moving in any way that works for them. All participants will be entered into a draw to win a Beta Jacket donated by Arc’teryx. The contest will run from December 1-31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Contest Rules
Step 1: Follow Spencer O’Brien on Instagram at @spencerobrien and check her account regularly for inspiration and to ask questions. Also, follow Arthritis Research Canada on Instagram at @arthritisresearch.
Step 2: Download your copy of Arthritis Research Canada’s I START Tool. This tool is backed by research and was designed to help people with arthritis start and continue with regular strength training. Download your copy today. Looking for a guide to share with a personal trainer? We have a version for health and exercise professionals that you can download here. Using our tools isn’t required, but you might find them helpful. You are also welcome to continue your fitness routine for this challenge.
Step 3: Keep yourself accountable by tracking your fitness throughout December in any way that works for you. For example, you can use your phone calendar, notes on your phone, a physical notebook or calendar, Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc. Anything goes!
Step 4: Whenever you see an Instagram post or story from Spencer O’Brien about exercise or arthritis, comment with the hashtag #WeatherTheStorm. Please comment on at least three of her posts or stories to qualify for the contest draw. Why #WeatherTheStorm? To learn more about our holiday campaign, click here.
Step 5: Complete our Holiday Fitness Challenge form by December 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Click here to complete the form.
That’s all you need to do to start the new year with a solid fitness routine and for the chance to win an Arc’teryx Beta jacket.
Spencer O’Brien’s Schedule
Spencer will be posting fitness content on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout December. This will include warmups, Olympic lifting, mobility training and other activities she likes to do in her community. She lives in Ucluelet, so she may share other activities. For example, Spencer often surfs for cardio and upper body strength, runs, skateboards and does Pilates at home. For her, variety is important when it comes to exercise.
The Prize
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
Durable, highly versatile mountain shell made with PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE fabric.
The Beta’s versatility frees you to experience the full range of adventures. Made with a durable 80D face fabric and a GORE‑TEX ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane that’s light, strong, and PFC-free, it delivers waterproof, windproof, breathable protection with a reduced carbon footprint. The C-KNIT backer adds comfort, and the low-profile StormHood adjusts to provide coverage and maintain lines of sight. Articulation removes restriction, and a RECCO reflector can aid in search emergencies.
Updated with a RECCO reflector and a new durable, lightweight GORE-TEX ePE fabric that offers a reduced carbon footprint and has an 80D face fabric for enhanced durability without added weight.
The contest winner will be able to select the women’s or men’s version of the Beta jacket, as well as colour and size (based on availability).
For more information on the women’s jacket, click here.
For more information on the men’s jacket, click here.
Arthritis Research Canada would like to thank Spencer O’Brien for leading the Holiday Fitness Challenge and Arc’teryx for generously donating a Beta Jacket as the contest prize.
*No purchase necessary for participation in this contest. The winner of the draw will be required to answer a skill-testing question. This challenge is not open to Arthritis Research Canada employees.
