Personal trainer issues fitness challenge

Sequim Gazette staff

Brandon Stoppani, a Sequim-based personal fitness trainer, is issuing a challenge — to you.

Stoppani’s “2011 Sequim New Year Fitness Challenge” will test how quickly you can get back in shape following what was likely a little overindulging through the holidays.

How well you meet the challenge will be tested in a series of exercises at the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center on Jan. 29, so get started today.

The testing regimen is difficult, Stoppani admitted. “That’s why it’s called a challenge,” he said. The good news: Participants can take as long as they need (“within reason”) to complete it.

The payoff can be huge. In addition to shaping up, you can win valuable prizes.

Even if you don’t come in first, “it doesn’t matter,” Stoppani said. “Participants will have established a benchmark.” That provides “a goal to train for and beat next year for a new personal best.”

All competitors who complete the event will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Rules of the game

Men of a similar age will compete against each other in the challenge, as will the women who participate. The first-place winner of each category “will receive a trophy — and bragging rights — in recognition of their achievement,” Stoppani said.

He also outlined the challenge, which includes step-ups, push-ups, rowing, jumping rope, two sets of progressive springs and a two-mile run on the treadmill. For complete details, go to www.sarcfitness.com and click on “Sequim New Year Fitness Challenge.”

Due to time constraints on the day of the challenge, the number of applicants is limited, so Stoppani is encouraging applicants to register soon at SARC. Registration closes Friday, Jan. 14. SARC pass holders pay $20, while others pay $30.

For more information, contact Brandon Stoppani at SARC, 683-3344.