Mindful May Meters Challenge is Back!

We are excited to announce Concept2’s Mindful May Meters Challenge is back for a second year. May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to help raise both awareness and funds for charities that extend support, foster public education, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. At Concept2, we believe that physical activity greatly contributes to not only a strong body, but also a sound mind.  

Last year we met our goal of raising $20,000 for four charities that foster change for mental health through movement globally, nationally and locally. The funds raised went directly to supporting adults, teens and veterans gain tools and experiences to help them navigate mental illness and tackle mental health challenges to build better lives. We are proud to see the funds raised impacting individuals directly through programs like Boulder Crest Foundation’s Warrior PATHH. Because of Mindful May Meters, the funds raised helped multiple veterans participate in Warrior PATHH, a 90-day, non-pharmacological, peer-delivered training program that begins with a 5-day intensive and immersive initiation. This is followed by 3 months of dedicated support, training, accountability and connection from a team of trained combat veterans. Without your participation last year, this would never have been possible. Thank you! 

For year two, the Challenge will remain the same. Mindful May Meters is based on consistency- the more days you row, ski, or ride at least 1,000 meters, the more money you help raise! There are also three levels of participation, and we aim to raise up to $20,000. To get to Level One, you need to do at least 1000m on any 10 days in May, for Level Two complete 15 days, and for Level Three complete 20 days. For each level you reach, Concept2 will donate $1 towards Level One, $3 towards Level Two, and $5 towards Level Three participants, up to an overall total of $20,000.  

All money raised will be split equally between our chosen charities, which we are excited to share more about.  

Sport in Mind
Sport in Mind is a mental health charity created with the mission of improving the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity. Working in partnership with the National Health Service (NHS), they deliver a wide range of inclusive activities, to aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing, improve physical health, and combat social isolation. To date, Sport in Mind has supported over 40,000 people across the UK, with 94% of participants showing improved mental health and 91% reporting greater confidence and self-esteem because of their programs. 

The Phoenix
The Phoenix is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster a supportive, physically active community for people recovering from substance use disorders and those who choose to live sober. They offer a wide range of activities, through which participants build confidence, self-respect and a sense of community. All programs are free to anyone with at least 48 hours of sobriety and are funded through donations to keep them accessible to all. 

Face It Foundation
The Face It Foundation is a nonprofit founded with the goal of helping men understand and recover from depression and reducing the rate of male suicide, recognizing that fear, shame, and the stigma that prevents many men from seeking help. They provide men's support groups, one-on-one peer support, outreach events, public education, and training for mental health professionals, taking a multi-faceted approach to recovery that goes beyond traditional medication and therapy. All of their services and resources are free to the men who need them. This is made possible through donations from individuals and organizations. 

Outdoor Adventuring For Good
Outdoor Adventuring for Good is an organization focused on raising awareness of the importance of trauma recovery programs in northern New Hampshire and providing funding for them. They support programs that incorporate trauma-sensitive yoga, mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, and somatic practices to help people process trauma and foster post-traumatic growth. They also work to connect individuals to trauma recovery resources in the region and help reduce the financial burden on participants by funding these programs. 

Here’s How to Participate in the Mindful May Meters Challenge! 

First, be sure you have a free Concept2 Online Logbook to participate in the Mindful May Meters Challenge—or any Concept2 challenges, for that matter. It is simple to set up your online logbook. By doing so, you will be opened up to a world of training opportunities like keeping track of your total meters, analyzing your progress, taking part in challenges, and comparing your results against others worldwide. 

Next, sign up for the challenge from your online logbook page. Then, start logging those meters! We received feedback that other challenges we offer can be tough with how many meters you must complete. With this challenge, you just need to complete a minimum of 1,000 meters for as little as 10 days on a Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg, or BikeErg. Just be sure to enter them into your online logbook. 

Your participation in the Mindful May Meters Challenge will enable our four 2026 organizations to better serve their missions. We are excited to provide our support directly to organizations that raise awareness and raise funds towards the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.