Limitless Performance’s Fit for a Cause fundraiser brought fitness and philanthropy together in support of JustWorld International. Photo by Mike Souza/So Chill Media
On March 3, Limitless Performance offered a Fit for a Cause fundraiser in support of JustWorld International, bringing together fitness, community, and philanthropy for an unforgettable evening at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington, FL.
Led by Mike Barthelemy, owner of Limitless Performance and a personal trainer to Olympic equestrians, the session raised hundreds of dollars for children in need while guiding participants through a dynamic workout designed to enhance strength, form, and overall performance.
"I love giving back, and if I look back at where I started in the equestrian industry and where I am now, I feel like the community has given so much to me and helped me reach certain heights of success," Mike said. "Doing this with JustWorld felt just right because I can give back my time, knowledge, and expertise to people who may need motivation and upliftment.
“Anytime I get asked to do anything to give back,” Mike added, “it hits close to my heart, and that's why I decided to do this with JustWorld.”
Joining Mike were Limitless Performance trainers Phil Louis and Kimberly Nilson, who were proud to help raise over $700 in direct support of JustWorld’s programs in Guatemala, Honduras, Cambodia, and the United States.
“I’m a very big advocate for helping people in need,” Phil said. “That’s amazing that that amount was raised. This is the first time this is taking place, so by next year, maybe we’ll double or triple [the amount]. This was a great start.”
Trainer Phil Louis leads JustWorld Ambassadors through a dynamic workout demonstration. Photo by Mike Souza/So Chill Media.
Designed to be inclusive and welcoming, the event catered to all ages and fitness levels, fostering an encouraging atmosphere where attendees pushed their limits while supporting a meaningful cause.
For Kimberly, contributing to the cause was deeply personal. A fellow equestrian, she suffered a spinal injury at 15, a pivotal experience that shaped her passion for exercise science.
"The spinal injury took me out of riding, and ever since then, that was the reason why I got into exercise science—why I was going to go pre-med and then decided to take a left turn and become a coach," Kimberly said. "The equestrian sport has one of the highest rates of spinal injuries, and that’s a passion of mine. Being a coach and being able to individualize that—working with young riders, older people who have been injured, and those getting back into the game—that's our job. Our job is to look at you, see you as an individual and a person, and be able to connect with you and help you."
Several participants entered the session with previous injuries, including Angela Baugh, a fitness enthusiast who has explored everything from CrossFit to Pilates and weightlifting. She left the event with valuable insights to refine her approach and adapt her training.
“The CrossFit, with certain things––just because I’ve had a lot of surgeries––I have to modify, and I think the way [Mike] does things is really beneficial to me,” Angela said. “I learned a lot of good modifications where I can still keep fit and keep up but not injure myself, so I really appreciate that.”
Coach Kimberly Nilson brought invaluable insight to the Fit for a Cause fundraiser, enriching the experience for all participants. Photo by Mike Souza/So Chill Media.
Alongside fitness enthusiasts like Angela Baugh, 9-year-old JustWorld Ambassador Gabi Caideo eagerly shared her excitement for the workout and the meaningful cause.
“I really like this idea––to donate to kids who don't have much money and to give them a better education,” said Gabi. “I really also like this workout. They had good teachers who helped me improve, and they have good strategies that I will definitely try every day. I feel really good. In a month, maybe [by] doing this exercise, maybe I could be really flexible.”
Gabi and other children joined adults like Maria Newman, the mother of JustWorld founder Jessica Newman and a devoted supporter of the organization.
“I think it was absolutely wonderful; [the trainers] were great,” Maria said. “They are stimulating and fun at the same time, so it's not boring, and they give us, you know, time to recover. [The workout] makes me realize how much I should work out like this almost every day. It was fun, but very effective.”
Beyond the workout, Maria highlighted the profound impact of the funds raised.
“When enough people [come together], it makes a big difference,” Maria added. “For me––$50, I know what it does, how much of a long way it goes in Cambodia or in Guatemala. I mean, you can support a child for almost a month for $50, so we supported quite a few children tonight.”
The inaugural Fit for a Cause fundraiser with Limitless Performance was a success, setting the stage for future events." Photo by Mike Souza/So Chill Media.
Not only did Maria have a great time at the workout, but Limitless Performance gained a new fan in her.
“Everybody did a great job tonight,” Phil said. “I was able to keep them energized and walk them through the workouts, and now [Maria] signed up. The goal is to make sure everybody, every day––it’s a lifestyle for them. Seeing that and how excited she was––the thing about fitness is it's very diverse. You have the youth, you have the middle age, and you have the seniors. And it's never too late, actually, to start your fitness journey. As long as you are dedicated, you stay consistent––the sky’s the limit. It’s very rewarding, and that’s what keeps me going. Helping everybody get to their fitness goals––that’s what it’s all about.”
For Mike, this is only the beginning of a promising partnership between Limitless Performance and JustWorld International, blending elite training with social good.
"I think this event was just the beginning of something amazing that we're trying to do here," Mike said. "To work with the kids and the adults and for people to feel excited to do this—I’m happy everybody showed up, and the outcome is just amazing. It’s just a matter of creating more awareness in the equestrian world to show everybody the way because a lot of people do want to do this—they do want to get in shape and work on their health and fitness—but they don't know how to start. We have a couple of people here who want to start but don’t know how, and this is the start of something that could change their lives. I’ve seen it many times."
A heartfelt thank you to Mike Barthelemy, Kimberly Nilson, Phil Louis, and the JustWorld community for their dedication to fitness and philanthropy.
