Fitness specialists to host workshops on campus

Ola Galal
DM Staff Writer

Fitness specialists Leigh Crews and Joe Diemert will be presenting workshops in the Fitness Center this month.

Diemert, co-manager at Franco's Athletic Club in New Orleans is going to present four workshops on Aug. 2: "Step Beaux" (kickboxing with the step); "A.T.O.M.I.C WAY" (instructor professionalism); Master M.O.V.E.S. (action-packed;) and Cueing, Counting & Choreography (choreography, skill and teaching drills).

The workshops will start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. and will be held in Room 305 of the Fitness Center.

Sharon Boon, coordinator of fitness, described Diemert as "a lot of fun."

Crews, founder and president of Dynalife, Inc. and a Reebok Program Developer, will be presenting "Reebok Flexible Strength" and "Reebok Martial Arts Training," and will offer more than 30 workshops and advanced continuing education courses for fitness professionals. The presentations will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"It's a great thing as people get to learn about their body to be mentally and physically fit," said Elizabeth Miller, a Turner Center member.

Crews is "one of America's best trainers," according to Vogue magazine. Diemert is a National Presenter, who certifies instructors and sets up primary exams.

Boon thinks the workshops would be very useful to students.

"It shows the students what is in the industry, safety outline and variety in the workout," Boon said.

"It's a way toward better understanding of fitness and health," said Phil Welke, an exercise science major and senior from Las Vegas.

All students are invited to attend the presentations, as are all faculty members and staff.

Boon said she thinks the presentations will be beneficial to anyone interested in physical fitness or those seeking to loose weight. Absolutely anyone can try it out, according to Boon.

Boon said that the fitness exercises presented will not only have physical effect but will also have psychological effects.

"Exercise is a great stress reliever," Boon said.

Health and fitness awareness is one of the long-term benefits of the presentations, according to Boon.

"(It's a) good idea for people to expand their horizons," said to Lorn Johnson, a masters student in exercise science from Poplarville.

Health and fitness awareness can be enhanced through the presentations given by Crews and Diemert, Boon said.

"They are very good role models," she said.