MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- There aren’t many instances where people associate fun and prizes with fitness and exercising. For six weeks this summer, Semper Fit will be showing participants that it is possible.
Since June 7, active duty depot employees and their families have participated in a six-week fitness challenge at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot’s Fitness Center. The challenge lets participants train with a team and trainers twice weekly.
The challenge is intended for its participants to lose weight, gain muscle, feel better and improve their health and quality of life. It could also help decrease run time, increase flexibility and help with fitness gain, according to Giovanna Thisen, the fitness center manager.
“It will most definitely benefit the participants,” said Laura Texier, intake counselor and prevention specialist, family advocacy. “This isn’t my first exercise program with Semper Fit. Each program has been extremely beneficial; each one has made me more physically fit.” She expects this program to do the same for her, she said.
To get the desired results, participants must attend the group exercises.
There are a variety of exercises in which teams will participate. The exercises are at the trainer’s discretion, and initially determine group members’ fitness levels. Exercise plans are then based on those criteria. Exercises include circuit events, cardio, muscle conditioning, outdoor exercises and aerobics. The events differ every time the groups meet.
In addition to the twice-weekly meetings, the participants will have homework. Their homework consists of work-outs and using log books. The log books are for keeping track of their work-outs and nutrition.
The log books are reviewed weekly in case the participant feels like he isn’t making any progress. His trainer can look back through the log book and make suggestions to help him continue with his progress.
“This way we can look and say, ‘well if you cut this cookie out here, or that there it may help,’” said Thisen.
Five teams are competing for prizes at the end of the six weeks. The determination for the winner is point-based. The teams earn their points through attendance, participation, weight loss, body fat loss and through the various challenges in which they participate. In addition, there will be surprise ways for the teams to earn points.
“Basically, it’s a team challenge to motivate fitness,” said Thisen.
The participants will end up motivated; more physically fit and have a healthier lifestyle when the Six-Week Summer Shape-Up comes to an end. Some participants will walk away with prizes, but overall, every participant wins, said Thisen.