Marine Corps Base Quantico Va. -- Every year, tons of people make New Year’s resolutions but, according to a 2013 University of Scranton study on New Year’s resolutions, only 8 percent actually succeed. Some of the top ones are health or fitness related. As a result, gyms everywhere are flooded with new members and people crowd the healthy food sections at the grocery store.
The Marine Corps Community Services Fitness and Health Promotion team at Barber Gym can provide the help you need. The programs and classes offered vary from exercise and fitness courses to classes on nutrition and weight control.
“Most of our programs are on-going and available to all of our members,” said Veronica Nelson, director of the MCCS Fitness and Health Promotion. “Sometimes, though, we give people extra incentives to live healthier, like our ‘Mission Slimpossible’ program that starts later this month.”
Mission Slimpossible is an 8-week challenge to lose weight and live healthier. Teams of two can sign up between now and Jan. 24. Some prizes include Semper Fit lunchboxes and t-shirts as well as a bigger prize that hasn’t been announced yet. Teams can earn these prizes by working out and losing weight, as well as, taking classes on healthy eating and nutrition.
“We offer several different classes on basic nutrition and healthy eating,” said Lauren King, the MCCS dietitian. “Teams can attend the different classes and earn points while learning healthier lifestyles.”
MCCS offers several group exercise and nutrition classes. The courses range from Yoga and Zumba to Nutrition 101. The classes are offered throughout the day and several during the evenings.
You don’t have to be military to sign up for the classes either. Quantico civilians are able to sign up for all of the courses. To find a full schedule of all the classes and offered by MCCS at Barber Gym, visit www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org.