By Danielle Rexrode
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Seventy seven members of the Oak Crest Fitness Club are in the midst of an “Amazon Adventure”—a twelve week fitness challenge covering 4,000 miles.
The challenge which started on April 3 and ends on June 24 lets “travelers” earn miles for cardiovascular exercise and weight repetitions.
Participants exercise their way through a series of seven checkpoints starting at the Amazon River Valley and ending in the peaks of the Andes. The goal: to earn enough miles to complete their trek through Brazil and Peru.
“The purpose of the challenge is to encourage residents and staff to challenge themselves to exercise more, whether that means spending a few extra minutes each day in the Fitness Center, or scheduling an extra visit or two a week,” says Jessica Horwath, Oak Crest Wellness Coordinator. “The annual exercise challenge is a fun way to challenge our members to exercise more often.”
Starting in Belem, Brazil, participants take a 350 mile trek through the Amazon Valley to Santarem, Brazil, then onto Obicoa, Brazil for their next 200 mile checkpoint. The journey continues on through Manaus and Leticia, Brazil (1,800 mile checkpoint). From there the adventurers enter the Andes for their final trek to the Incan Ruins of Manchu Picchu (4,000 mile checkpoint).
Staying Fit, Having Fun
“If you would have told me ten years ago I would be this active and exercising like this I wouldn’t have believed you,” says Oak Crest Fitness Club member Mary Jane Foster.
Mary Jane uses the Fitness Center at Oak Crest six days a week. This year she hopes to meet the challenge and looks forward to a little friendly competition.