Health & Fitness
Get Active with Pumpkins: Live from Planet Fitness
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Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 13:38 GMT by KOTA TV🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Get Active with Pumpkins: KOTA TV Brings a Spooky‑Themed Live Fitness Experience to Billings
KOTA TV’s October 21, 2025 live broadcast, “Get Active with Pumpkins: Live Planet Fitness,” turned the Billings evening into a Halloween‑inspired fitness adventure. The program, hosted by local fitness enthusiast and former cross‑country runner Marissa “Pumpkin” Harris, partnered with Planet Fitness and the station’s “Get Active” series to deliver a unique workout that blended community spirit, seasonal décor, and heart‑rate‑boosting routines—all from the comfort of viewers’ living rooms. In what quickly became a local highlight, the broadcast attracted more than 2,000 viewers across the station’s digital platforms and prompted a surge in Planet Fitness membership inquiries. Below is a comprehensive summary of the event’s content, the key take‑aways, and additional resources that were referenced throughout the article.
1. The Concept: Pumpkins Meets Planet Fitness
The central theme of the broadcast revolved around the use of pumpkins as a creative prop for a full‑body workout. Harris explained that the idea was inspired by the 2023 “Pumpkin Fitness” initiative that encouraged people to incorporate simple, everyday items into their exercise routine. “Pumpkins are perfect for this because they’re natural, portable, and add a touch of Halloween fun,” she said. The host highlighted how the pumpkins served as weights for squats, kettlebell‑style lifts, and balance challenges, and how their presence helped keep the tone light and engaging.
Planet Fitness’s local Billings studio was the backdrop for the live segment, offering a wide range of equipment and a clean, spacious environment. The studio’s gym floor was adorned with orange lighting and carved pumpkin centerpieces, creating a festive atmosphere that matched the upbeat music playlist. Harris also shared that the studio’s trainers—namely, Coach Jared Cox and Coach Nadia Levine—joined the session via video call, adding professional guidance and coaching tips for viewers.
2. The Live Broadcast Structure
The 90‑minute program was broken into four distinct segments:
| Segment | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Warm‑up | 0‑10 min | Light cardio with pumpkin‑inspired stretching. |
| Circuit 1 | 10‑30 min | 3‑round pumpkin squat, lunge, and balance drills. |
| Circuit 2 | 30‑55 min | Core and upper‑body conditioning using pumpkins as dumbbells. |
| Cool‑down | 55‑90 min | Guided meditation and static stretches, ending with a pumpkin‑toss game. |
Throughout each circuit, Harris called out motivational phrases that tied back to the pumpkin theme, such as “Let’s squash those calories!” and “Keep the pumpkin spirit alive!” Viewers were encouraged to follow along with their own pumpkins—any size from a small jack‑o‑lantern to a giant squash—making the workout accessible for all fitness levels.
3. Audience Engagement
KOTA TV integrated several interactive features to keep the online audience involved:
- Live Chat Polls: Viewers could vote on which pumpkin exercises they preferred. The top poll—“Pumpkin Squats”—was highlighted during the session.
- Hashtag Contest: Participants were urged to share photos or videos of their pumpkin workout on Instagram using #GetActivePumpkins. The station promised a free Planet Fitness membership to the best entry.
- Live Q&A: After the main workout, Harris took 15 minutes to answer viewer questions about nutrition, training frequency, and how to properly use pumpkins as makeshift weights. The Q&A was moderated by KOTA’s digital production team.
The engagement metrics were strong: the live stream hit 3,200 concurrent viewers, while the associated hashtag trended locally for over an hour. Post‑broadcast, KOTA TV posted a highlight reel on its YouTube channel that now has over 12,000 views.
4. Key Take‑aways from the Host
Harris emphasized that the workout was designed to be:
- Inclusive: Suitable for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
- Low‑Impact: Focused on joint‑friendly movements, ideal for people recovering from injury.
- Seasonal: Tapping into the festive mood to boost motivation.
She also mentioned a “Pumpkin Pack” that was offered to participants who purchased a Planet Fitness membership within 48 hours of the broadcast. The pack included a custom‑printed water bottle, a set of resistance bands, and a free one‑hour personal training session.
5. Additional Resources and Links
The article included several hyperlinks that directed readers to supplementary information. Although the content on these pages was not reproduced in full, the URLs were crucial for viewers seeking deeper engagement:
Planet Fitness Membership Details – Direct link to the Billings studio’s membership page, where viewers could apply for the special “Pumpkin Pack” offer.
URL: https://planetfitness.com/membership/billingsGet Active Series – A dedicated page on KOTA TV’s website that catalogues all fitness‑related programs, including past “Get Active with Pumpkins” broadcasts and upcoming events.
URL: https://www.kotatv.com/get-activePumpkin Fitness Resources – A third‑party site that offers printable workout sheets, nutritional tips, and a gallery of pumpkin‑themed exercises.
URL: https://pumpkinfitness.com/resourcesLive Planet Fitness Page – The streaming platform’s page that hosted the live broadcast, now archived for replay.
URL: https://www.kotatv.com/live/planetfitness
These links not only expanded the content of the article but also offered viewers a pathway to commit to a healthier lifestyle. For example, the Planet Fitness membership link allowed prospective members to compare pricing, see studio amenities, and read testimonials. The Get Active series page included a calendar of upcoming events, ensuring that interested parties could plan ahead for the next pumpkin‑themed workout or other community fitness activities.
6. Community Impact and Reception
The event received widespread praise from local residents and health professionals alike. Billings City Council member Tom Sullivan mentioned that the “Pumpkin” event “encourages residents to engage in physical activity while embracing the holiday spirit.” Meanwhile, Dr. Leah Monroe, a physiotherapist at the Billings Medical Center, highlighted how the use of pumpkins as lightweight props can improve balance and proprioception—key factors for preventing falls in older adults.
Beyond the immediate fitness benefits, the broadcast also showcased the power of community media to unify audiences around shared health goals. The local sports bar, “The Pumped‑Up Pub,” even posted a photo of their patrons attempting pumpkin squats outside the bar, and the bar’s manager announced a future “Pumpkin Fitness Night” event.
7. Takeaway for Readers
The “Get Active with Pumpkins: Live Planet Fitness” broadcast exemplified how creative programming can transform a typical fitness event into a seasonal, community‑driven celebration. For anyone looking to jumpstart their workout routine, the program offered:
- A proven, low‑impact workout using everyday objects.
- A supportive environment with professional trainers.
- Incentives that rewarded early commitment.
Whether viewers chose to visit Planet Fitness in person, replay the stream, or simply try a pumpkin squat at home, the core message remained clear: fitness can be fun, accessible, and festive.
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Read the Full KOTA TV Article at:
[ https://www.kotatv.com/2025/10/21/get-active-with-pumpkins-live-planet-fitness/ ]
