Rx for Fitness originated with memorial funds given to the Linn County Trails Association in honor of a local physician and exercise advocate. Rather than use the funds to develop trails, a health promotion program was developed to promote walking and healthy lifestyles. Rx for Fitness is endorsed by the Linn County Medical Society and the local medical community where physicians write an actual prescription for exercise. This specific encouragement from the physician to get active gives patients more motivation to stick to an exercise program. For additional motivation, each kit includes a quality pedometer, a booklet outlining the fitness program, and a Metro Area Trails Map.

In October 2011, Rx For Fitness received the Spirit of Hermina award from the Iowa Medical Society Alliance (IMSA). The Spirit of Hermina Award is a partnership between IMSA and the Iowa Department of Public Health and recognizes Iowans who take extraordinary measures to impact the health of fellow Iowans.