Project Description

Our mission is to promote a healthier future by fighting obesity in our youth and inspiring adults to be an example of health and wellness. With continued commitment, education and opportunities in the community, we can support our youth to lead a healthier lifestyle for a better future. We will provide a safe, fun and non-competitive environment for adults and youth to learn through teamwork and total commitment that everyone can adopt a healthy life-style for a fit future and a fit family. The program is a fitness camp that lasts for 5 weeks. All exercises are done in accordance with american college of sports medicine. Before exercising every participant must get medical clearance and must sign an informed consent form. At orientation participants are given free fitness assesments and a detailed introduction to the programs benefits as well as exercises. Every exercise session consists of a warm up and cool down that targets the cardiovascular system; increases and decreases the heart rate and blood flow throughout the body which helps to prevent injuries by using a static stretching routine. During the first week the workout has a low intensity which is monitored by using a rate of percieved exertion. There are 6-10 exercise stations that include rotating between upper body, cardiovascular, and lower body drills. At this point participants are encouraged to participate in our buddy system which is designed to promote partnership and overall teamwork. Every partner counts on each other to give 100% for the full 5 weeks. As a team every individual submits their daily caloric intake online to our food journal that calculates calories and proteins. The nutrition website (www.startcaring.org or www.thedailyplate.com) offers access to information on meal plans, food journals, extra cardio ideas and cookbooks. During week 2-5 more advanced cardio, abdominal work, and running are added to the exercise sessions. During week 2 participants are encouraged to try new things in their diet such as: drinking 6-8 oz of water right before every meal, chewing each bite of your food 20-30 times, and their proteins first, then veggies, then carbohydrates. During week 3 participants are encouraged to try and get at least 6-8 hours of sleep, 1 new veggie, 1 new protein, and 1 new cardio activity. At the end of the program participants are rewarded with a graduation ceremony where they are all presented with t-shirts as well as other gifts.