MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The first "Swimsuit Boot Camp," sponsored by Semper Fit trainers, kicked off at the Parris Island War Memorial Gym April 12.
Dozens of women of all ages signed up for the new program, and with the help of the program's two founders, they will try to lose a little weight and tone up a bit before they hit the beaches this summer.
"We developed the program because a lot of young women were coming in and asking how they could lose some weight and tone up before summer," said Cynthia May, program coordinator and fitness specialist aboard the Depot. "That's when [Michele Brittingham] and I came up with the 'Boot Camp' format."
May and Brittingham came up with a program that would require volunteers to show up at the fitness center three times a week for the next six weeks.
"Once they've made the six-week commitment, we are going to put them up to the challenge," she said. "Most of the program, probably half,
is cardio exercises. They may not like it, but that's the way it has to be. That's how they are going to lose the calories and be able to get into that swimsuit they want to wear."
"The other half will involve toning the body, like abdominal work, and a lot of outdoor fitness activities," said May.
The first day of the six-week program was made up of various activities used as a gauge to determine the fitness levels of the applicants. The exercises included crunches, push-ups, a half-mile run and an indoor circuit course.
"The first day's results will set the pace we go for the next couple of meetings," said Michele Brittingham, fitness specialist and personal trainer. "We want to work them pretty good the first couple of days so they realize they have to work to lose those calories. We want to teach them that they can't just come in, hop on a treadmill once in a while to lose weight ... it just doesn't work like that."
Aside from all the physical activity involved in the program, occasional classes will also be held.
"Next week we're going to have a nutritionist come in from the [Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort] to teach them what they should and shouldn't eat to maintain their weight better," said May.
On days like this when no physical activity is planned, May said the participants will have homework.
"If it's a class day, we'll have them walk or run a certain distance when they get home," said May. "Its based on the honor system, and if they aren't working out at home, it will show when they come back in here."
Participation in the program has been pretty strong so far. Out of the 48 people who signed up, 31 came out the first day.
"It was a pretty good turnout today," she said. "We just hope that everyone will stick around and reap the rewards of completing something like this."
The classes will be held two times a day every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Although the current classes are full, there will be similar programs held throughout the year. More information on future programs can be found by contacting the Depot Fitness Center at 228-1579.