The event, promoted by the Municipality of Mealhada, has established itself as a meeting point for physical exercise, dance, and well-being, on a day marked by energy and diversity. In addition to the registered participants, over 80 instructors and organizational members, supported by about fifteen young volunteers, led the initiative. A diverse network of partners, including gyms, associations, and companies, contributed to a comprehensive program.
Throughout the day, the Luso pavilion hosted simultaneous activities for audiences of different ages, such as ergometer challenges, dance classes, fitness, body and mind sessions, and muscle recovery proposals. Music and good spirits created an atmosphere of sharing and enthusiasm, with a notable participation from a group of people with disabilities, reinforcing the event's inclusive dimension.
The debut of the Ergathlon by Soul Fitness, developed in partnership with the Cross Company gym and Statherapy, represented a qualitative leap. The competition combined exercises on Ski Erg, Bike Erg, and Row Erg in various categories, including sections for children and youth, and an adapted modality, fostering a spirit of sacrifice, mutual aid, and camaraderie.
“"Soul Fitness has been growing, and this edition showed that we can continue to innovate, creating new opportunities for the community to participate and try different activities. The introduction of the Ergathlon was an important step in that direction, not only due to the participation but also because of the spirit of unity and mutual support that marked the competition. We want to maintain this format in the next edition and continue making Soul Fitness an event open to different generations, where sport is also a space for inclusion, socialising, and self-improvement."
The Soul Fitness Convention originated from consultations with young people as part of the «Comunica-te Jovem!» project. The 2026 edition reinforced the path of diversifying the program, bringing together participants, professionals, and partners. With the debut of the Ergathlon and the implementation of new spaces, the initiative solidifies itself as an event that combines sport, inclusion, socialising, and well-being, with prospects for future growth.
