MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- In preparation for the upcoming summer months, the Depot's Combat Fitness Center kicked off its 3rd annual Swimsuit Boot Camp fitness program Monday.
The free-of-charge program, which is open to military personnel and their families, includes six weeks of intermediate to advanced physical training, said Michele Brittingham, a fitness center personal trainer and aerobics instructor.
The summer fitness challenge is designed to provide a support system and an approachable setting to help participants lose weight and burn fat before spending weeks on the beach in a bathing suit, said Cynthia May, program director for the fitness center.
"I saw the need," said May. "I noticed that women just weren't coming to [fitness center] programs. So [Brittingham and I] came up with a plan and it just took off."
While sign-up deadlines for the current program have expired, service members and Depot residents can still begin organizing their own summer fitness and nutrition routine, said May.
"People like to be outdoors more [in the summer]," said May. "They are more inclined to be active."
May recommended creating a personal fitness "boot camp" training program by running a mile, doing squats, push-ups and crunches and finishing with another mile. As physical fitness progresses, the speed of the run time should decrease and more repetitions of the other exercises should be added. May also suggested water aerobics, bicycling and yard work as good outdoor physical activities.
"With a little imagination, you can easily see how hard or easy this workout can be," said May. "It's simple, efficient and effective."
The fitness center also offers a 12-week-long workout program for Department of Defense personnel and their families. A personal trainer develops a custom fitness program based on the initial fitness/health consultation. After that, the trainer and the trainee will meet every three weeks to check on the trainee's progress and to adjust workout techniques and intensity as needed.
No matter what workout plan is followed, daily exercise and weight control should be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, May added.
"Physical activity should be a part of a comprehensive weight loss/maintenance program," said May. "Moderate levels of activity for thirty to forty-five minutes, three to five days a week is recommended."
But exercise is only half the battle; a fit body needs good food too.
"The important food message [is to] eat less saturated fat, such as red meat and butter, eat enough fruits and vegetables and eat more unprocessed carbohydrate foods, [such as] oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice," said May. "These foods help control blood sugar and hunger."
Marine Corps Community Services Health Promotions, located at MCAS Beaufort and Naval Hospital Beaufort, both offer nutrition and weight management classes.
"We're all here for one thing, [and] that is a healthy lifestyle," said Brittingham.
For more information on physical fitness or healthy nutrition, contact the Combat Fitness Center aboard the Depot at 228-7359.
For MCCS Health Promotions, call 228-7010 for MCAS Beaufort or 228-5344 for Naval Hospital Beaufort.