YOKOSUKA, JAPAN — February 25, 2011 — Recently, A rollicking Fitness Fair was held for teachers at Sullivans Elementary School. The Fair was organized by the Sullivans Walking Club and was attended by dozens of Sullivans teachers and administrators. Many fitness-related base organizations contributed to the success of the event.
                
Many Sullivans Walking Club members wore their SWC t-shirts and received a special prize for doing so. From 2:15 to 3:00, the teachers moved from one booth to another. The booths included LTJG Melissa Amescua, United States Naval Hospital Yokosuka registered dietician, and her dietary guideline information. Teachers received dietary tips updated for the year 2010 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. “ One key recommendation for this year includes reducing daily sodium intake from 2,300 mg per day to 1,500 mg per day for many persons. Most Americans eat almost 4000 mg per day ” stated Amescua.

Other booths included a blood pressure monitoring booth manned by Sullivans School nurses and a body composition analysis by Rhea Daniels and HM2 Katina Jack from the Health Promotions Department of USNH Yokosuka.

 Mayumi Castro’s free 10 minute “healing touch” massages were a big hit. Her line formed early and she was massaging the entire afternoon. Castro, a certified massage therapist, specializing in traditional therapeutic Thai and other massages,  can be reached at Robert R. Purdy Fitness Center.

Chris Mitchell, from MWR Fitness, brought several giveaway items and a real treat for the teachers,   Kimberly Johnson and Ayako Ware. Johnson and Ware are two  personal fitness trainers certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, who  electrified their audience with a live resistance training session, demonstrating the use of resistance bands and the Reebok Core Board. Johnson and Ware are also available by appointment through Purdy Fitness Center.

As the hands on the clock moved towards 3:00 P.M., a distinct change in the atmosphere of the room was noted. An air of hushed anticipation enveloped the audience, finally breaking loose when Shellanie Ferrer and Reiko McCullough set the stage on fire with a Zumba routine that was hot, hot, hot! Every foot in the room was tapping as these two dynamic, fiery instructors presented their spicy Latin-infused Zumba exercise class for one and all. Ferrer and McCullough are group X and Zumba certified instructors who also teach classes through MWR.