Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) competed in a core conditioning contest, Feb. 15.
Both male and female Sailors competed against one another in a variety of core-oriented exercises such as planks, suicide planks, sit-ups, and bicycles.
“It was great to see people participating,” said Tina Nguyen, Stennis’ afloat fitness director, or fitboss, from Jackson, Miss. “It was a nice morale boost for the crew, and we’re all here for the same purpose. We’re all trying to improve ourselves, and all of this creates a fitness culture.”
In the female category, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lindsay Frizzell won with a total of 327 repetitions and a plank hold of 3 minutes and 30 seconds. In the male category, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Daniel Valdes won with a total of 455 repetitions and a 10 minute plank hold. Both winners were awarded a 16GB iPod Nano for their efforts.
“The core challenge was another huge success for the Fitboss and everyone involved,” said Frizzell, from Westchester, N.Y. “I love seeing the support and encouragement we give out there at these events, it really supports unit cohesiveness and boosts morale, and I really needed an iPod.”
Even though everyone didn’t win, many Sailors simply wished to get a good workout and mix up their routine.
“It was a good experience,” said Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Chance Adams, from Brookings, Oreg. “The planks were challenging at the end, but I got through it. Plus, it’s cool to be able to work out on the flight deck.”
The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG), consisting of Stennis, Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) are forward deployed to the U.S. 5TH Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 19, 2013