MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Semper Fit, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Exchange, treated station residents to the annual Family Fun Fitness Festival here outside of the MCX and station Commissary Saturday.
The festival informed families of the benefits of healthier living and proper exercise and nutrition. Semper Fit had various displays showcasing interesting facts concerning issues some residents did not know.
The display booths were set up in such a way as to funnel informants toward the less commonly known health facts. “The whole point of this was to educate and inform the community,” said Alma Dickinson, Semper Fit Health Promotions Director. “That’s why we have the info booths. Some of the booths were geared not just toward children or families, but some of the junior Marines.”
The festival informed station residents and particularly their children of some healthier food choices.
“They’re young,” said Dickinson. “We wanted to introduce them to healthy options in their diet early on.”
Along with healthier eating habits, exercise was also spoken of at the festival.
The Total Resistance Exercise Suspension Trainer is an exercise apparatus devised of several straps of varying length and resistance. Children and adults attempted to beat the device in a test of endurance and strength in such exercises as inverted rows and suspended burpees. Adults took part in the 30/30 challenge, performing 30 repetitions of a particular exercise and then resting for one minute before performing another 30 reps of another exercise. Children only had to do 15 reps.
Thomas F. Durning, IronWorks Gym athletic director, served as the TRX’s demonstrator and provided audiences with information.
Durning said the TRX is available to station residents who work out at the IronWorks Gym.
“The TRX was rough,” said Carnessa L. Pulliam, festival attender. “I put a physical training session in here today. It was a challenge.”
One booth that caught the people’s attention was the display of two blocks, one representing five pounds of fat and the other, five pounds of muscle. The block of fat was thick and mushy, taking up twice as much space as the muscle block. Many people were surprised by how much more space the fat tissue occupied compared to muscle.
Though fitness and health were apparent all around, fun and family were just as evident. When children were not attempting to show up their parents, they played in a bounce house. They also participated in a miniature obstacle course comprised of jumping over hurdles, bouncy balls, and performing high knees.
Some residents, seeing the festivities as they passed by, decided to check out the festival without knowing about it.
“A friend and I saw the balloons and we decided to come over and check it out,” said Pulliam. “I actually had a good time. We need more activities like this to not just get families out but Marines out as well.”
Along with the fitness and bounce houses, the community came out in droves to provide food and entertainment. Several tents outside the Comissary, provided healthier food options such as fresh ears of corn, and heads of lettuce and cabbage.
The festival lived up to its reputation as a fun day for all involved. More than $500 was awarded during giveaways, ranging from gift cards to watches and sporting apparel. At the end of the day, the festival was also about informing the community.
The success of the festival was obvious: it lasted well past its scheduled end time.