For years, Fort Hunt Elementary School has hosted a “Get Fit” night with the chaotic “Jumpathon” as its centerpiece. It traditionally featured a variety of games that made it a fun night for all. But personal trainer Sonya Spriggs knew that getting fit takes longer than one night. “Tonight’s our active night,” she says of the event. “What about when you go home?”
Three years ago, Spriggs revamped Get Fit Night, by inviting community sports organizations, health educators and local businesses with links to health.
“This is a night for them to gather more knowledge and information,” Spriggs explained. “We try to have something for everybody.”
Representatives from Inova brought a glowing germ simulator, another booth demonstrated the dangers of tobacco use, another vividly demonstrated the amount of fat in many common snacks. Via Viente, a business that produces a healthy fruit cordial, gave out free samples.
“Always do your chores,” special guest Darryl Pound, formerly a defensive back with the Redskins, suggested to a group of students. He also advised them to listen to their teachers and parents.
Mark Murray, the head coach of the Fort Belvoir Swim Club, came to Get Fit Night to promote his team. He said he wanted to let people know that swimming “is an outstanding way to get in shape.” He added that it confers a valuable safety skill and inculcates good time management and dedication.
Coaches David London and Chuck Africano came to promote their youth wrestling “Cub Club.” They train wrestlers in grades two through eight. London asked his best wrestler, Kelsey Donovan, to speak for the club. The eighth-grader at Carl Sandburg Middle School said she’s been wrestling for two years. Her favorite move is the double-leg takedown. “It’s a physical challenge,” she said of the sport. “You have to be in good shape to do it.” But competing successfully requires more than brawn. “You have to realize what you’re opponents strengths and weaknesses are.”
But no matter how much Get Fit night changes, there will always be the Jumpathon. This year, 47 teams, each with about six students, gathered around the basketball court. For 30 minutes, one member from each time was constantly jumping. When the music stopped every few minutes, 47 new jumpers would rush madly onto the court to find their teammate, grab the jump rope and start wildly hopping and rope-twirling. Finesse and synchronization varied, but enthusiasm was unwavering. The jumpers raised $3,000 for the PTA.