PARKVILLE, MD – For six years, the Oak Crest fitness center staff has challenged residents and staff to a 12-week fitness competition. This year’s challenge is the “Everest Expedition;” it began Monday and runs through June 23. Residents and staff will climb their way up the mountain through a series of six checkpoints starting in the Kathmandu Valley and ending on the South Summit. 

The 2007 Everest Expedition covers a 27,000-foot climb up the mountain. Travelers earn feet for cardiovascular exercise and weight repetition, with one minute of cardiovascular exercise equaling 20 feet, and one weight repetition equaling one foot. The expedition takes travelers from Kathmadu Valley to Base Camp via a 2,000-foot climb. From here, another 3,000 feet puts the expedition at Camp I. Camp II requires a 4,000-foot climb; Camp III a 5,000-foot climb; Camp IV a 6,000-foot climb; and the final 7,000-foot climb places travelers at the South Summit.

“The annual fitness challenge is a great way to encourage residents and staff to exercise,” said Jessica Horwath, wellness manager. “It is the staff’s way of saying ‘have fun getting healthy.’” 

Only activities completed in the Oak Crest fitness center count towards the challenge and members are encouraged to visit the center as often as they like, but may only complete weight-training activities during every other visit. In weight exercise, travelers only receive credit for up to 15 repetitions to prevent injury. To encourage residents and staff to exercise, the fitness center has been decorated with freshly fallen snow, mountain vistas, snowflakes, and prayer flags. Travelers completing the climb to the top of Everest receive a t-shirt. 

In previous years, residents and staff at Oak Crest have traveled the Amazon, taken an African safari, and traveled across the United States via Route 66. (Jane Powell)

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