ANDY GOTTESMAN/THE LANTERNDarien Robinson, a fifth-year computer science major, directs the participants of the Omega Boot Camp. Fraternity brother Omar Turay formed the camp to help students live healthier.The fraternity began a weekly fitness boot camp yesterday to raise awareness about obesity prevention and to help students get into shape on campus.
Omar Turay, a junior in business and vice president of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, came up with the idea to begin the Omega Boot Camp while taking a walk on campus Spring Quarter.
“The majority of people out on the Oval were all in shape and comfortable enough to have a shirt off or a bikini on,” he said. “I then looked around and thought to myself, ‘There’s no reason why everyone can’t be in shape and comfortable with their body.'”
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 30 percent of American adults ages 20 and older are considered obese. To address this issue, Turay sought to create a fitness program that would teach students better eating and exercising habits, and also enhance their self-esteem.
Turay wanted to create a program that would emphasize the importance of teamwork so the participants could work to become physically fit together.
ANDY GOTTESMAN/THE LANTERNBoot camp instructor Shelicia Brown, a junior in fashion and journalism, watches over the boot camp exercises at Jesse Owens North on Tuesday. The boot camp is both athletic and educational, and teaches students how the human body operates along with proper methods of maintaining physical fitness. Participants receive workbooks so they can monitor their progress and achieve individual fitness goals.
Currently 30 students are enrolled in the class, but Turay said many students have been inquiring about the program.
The fraternity members collaborated with several nutritionists and personal trainers from the Recreation and Physical Activity Center who will help students incorporate proper dieting and appropriate exercising plans into their health regimens.
The cost of the program is currently $40 for the quarter,
Activities will include workout stations designed by the personal training staff from the RPAC, free weights, cardio and team-building exercises to help motivate each individual to stay fit.
Victoria Zimmerman, a junior in psychology, thinks the program will promote a positive perception of Greek life.
“I think it’s good that the fraternity is involved in something that will improve the lives of students on campus,” she said.
“When I think of fraternities, I think about a lot of drinking and partying and stuff. To know that they are promoting behavior that is conducive to improving students’ health is refreshing.”
Students who want to participate can contact Omar Turay at [email protected].
Tiara Norman can be reached at [email protected].
