CPT Boot Camp performs ‘patriotic’ exercises
By Kathy McCarty
Participants in County Physical Therapy’s Boot Camp Program celebrated Independence Day by gathering July 5 for a ‘21-gun salute’ exercise event. This star jump was one of the exercises performed, chosen in honor of the Stars and Stripes. Pictured from left are: Christie Levesque, Nichole Fournier, Mary Bragdon, Laura Roope, Libby Gardner, Nola Amero, Bob Watson, Mike Amero, Ron Erikson and Herm Condon.
PRESQUE ISLE — Physical fitness took on a patriotic theme recently, as members of County Physical Therapy’s Boot Camp Program gathered for a special celebration, marking the holiday by performing a number of exercises.
Despite the heat and haze, about a dozen fitness enthusiasts gathered July 5 at the CPT parking lot at 5 North Street. In celebration of Independence Day, Boot Camp members performed an exercise routine called “the 21-gun salute.”
“This program was a progressive exercise routine to reach the goal of 21 repetitions of 10 exercises, which included a run between sets,” explained Adam Simoes, a CPT therapist.
Simoes said members expressed interest in doing something special for the holiday.
“They requested it,” Simoes, leading the Boot Camp, said with a laugh. “I made the offer to the group to have the day off but the Boot Campers insisted on continuing their 5 a.m. program, holiday or not. The group’s dedication is impressive.”
The Boot Camp is currently running 5 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, through July 30, according to Simoes. Future camps are planned.
“The next Boot Camp will begin Sept. 13, starting at 5 a.m., and take place each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This seems to be a good time for most as it does not conflict with activities of the day, only a little sleep,” said Simoes.
Simoes said the time and days were chosen by the participants.
“The decision was theirs,” he said.
He said there have been a number of success stories.
“We have some great success stories, including weight loss, participating in activities that they would not a year ago, feeling stronger, improving self-confidence and family life (they’ve had four or five husband and wife teams take part), and a change in lifestyle such as diet and wellness,” said Simoes.
Participants have included longtime fitness enthusiasts as well as beginners.
“I have some people in the Boot camp who have never stepped foot in a gym and are loving the camp. We modify the exercises to challenge the beginner to the advance person,” said Simoes.
For more information, contact CPT at 769-2160.
BOOT CAMP participants gathered in County Phyiscal Therapy’s parking lot July 5 to take part in an Independence Day fitness celebration. Pictured running is Mike Amero. Also working out, from left, are: Nichole Fournier, Mary Bragdon and Christie Levesque.
