"Physical activity is a critical piece of maintaining a healthy lifestyle," said Capt. Trevor Shirk, a team leader with the Master Fitness Training Course.
Shirk and his team from the U.S. Army Fitness School demonstrated to students at C.C. Pinckney Elementary School ways they can improve their fitness during the school's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at the Gym health fair Feb. 9.
The fair is an evolution from the Health and Fitness Night held in 2015, but with an added flair.
"Last year we looked at holding the event in February because it is the month of fitness," said Dr. Kerrie Ammons, Pinckney's Language and Speech Pathologist. "This year we decided we would hold another event but this time incorporating STEM principles into it."
Students were able to talk to various members of the Fort Jackson community about fitness, as well as try their hand at CrossFit, Zumba and other agility drills.
During the event, students had to plan how they were to complete each station. This engineering design plan helped students identify a problem and develop a solution for it.
Students and their families crammed into Pinckney's gym and auditorium to learn more about how they can stay fit and active. Family members even tried their hand at dancing on the school's stage.
Rick Ellis with TCB CrossFit on post, had kids throwing a medicine ball high up against a wall and then walking as fast as they could while carrying small kettle balls. TCB CrossFit, which is an acronym for "Taking Care of Business" is usually held in Vanguard Gym, but is currently at Bravo Company, Special Troops Battalion, until the fitness center's floor is finished.
"We are here giving kids a sample of what CrossFit does," he said. "They are having so much fun."
Every time he would shout "up" and raise his arms up high, the children would raise the kettle balls over their heads as they walked.
Shirk along with MFTC instructors Sgt. 1st Class Liela Cowhig, Staff Sgt. John Wood and Staff Sgt. William Webb ran students through various relays and agility drills.
Shirk said it's very important for students to remain active.
"Letsmove.org, estimated that the average kid spends seven and half hours sitting or being sedentary," he said. "To get active and moving will promote a healthy lifestyle and potentially prevent illness in the future."
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