FitFest set for Saturday
Published:Wednesday | June 28, 2023 | 1:02 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
The summer season has already started, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to have the best body of your life. As a fitness instructor for over two decades, Kurt Dunn, better known as BodybyKurt, has received many questions about how to start the wellness journey. His answer to came in the beautiful form of FitFest.
“I have worked with many clients who expressed that they found it challenging to figure out where or how to begin their fitness journey. FitFest is the event that helps patrons to take that first step. The event is designed for all fitness enthusiasts who want to have fun while working out. It is also for those persons who are thinking about getting their fitness programme started but are unsure of where to start,” he told Lifestyle.
The concept, he says, involves reviving a fun aspect of fitness: aerobics from the ‘90s and early 2000. With festive music and dance moves to match, patrons will be able to enjoy over 10 of the island’s best group fitness instructors: Ferron, Grand Master Bryan, Stepz, Spartacus, Awillo, Anthea, Mad Andrew, Tina Fit, Andro Henry, Gryzzly Bear, Rep Step, and of course, Kurt Dunn.
“Each instructor will have 15 minutes on stage to bring their expertise in zumba, stick aerobics, dancehall, kickboxing, soca-robics and more,” he added.
Hosting this event since 2017, Dunn shared that it has been a struggle to obtain sponsors for the wellness initiative. But he stays committed to the cause by being persistent. He is grateful to have sponsors like CHASE, National Baking Company, Holiday Inn, Wisynco Group, Mazda, First Heritage Corporate Credit Union, Caribbean Dreams, Fitzroy, Eve Naturals, BCIC, Home & Things Limited, Ping’s Fabric, Innovative Signs & Awning Printing Solutions Limited., Frozen Delight, Caribbean Broilers, Bad Dawg and The Life Store on board.
With this weekend being the event’s 12th staging, the conceptualiser is already excited about what is in store. “In recent stagings we have introduced the Kiddie’s Village. Parents and children are able to come on out and be healthy at this family event. There is also a wide variety of exercise sessions that have been introduced to the line-up over years such as chair aerobics, step aerobics, stick aerobics and dumb-bell body sculpting,” he shared.
For this year, Dunn will be introducing the team challenge. Corporate companies, running clubs, schools and other fitness groups are invited to enter for a chance to win amazing prizes. “Show up your numbers in uniformed fashion and bring the vibes and team spirit,” he added.
Taking the new heatwave into serious consideration, Dunn highlighted that hydration is extremely important. It is for that reason that Wata, Tru Shake and Powerade are on board to keep the patrons refreshed and rehydrated.
“My hope is to encourage all of our participants to jump-start or continue their health and fitness journey. I would also love to branch out to other parishes such as Montego Bay and St Ann and eventually having FitFest being an islandwide event,” Dunn revealed.
So why not start the summer with some healthy fun for the entire family? All roads lead to the National Water Commission (NWC) Sports Club in Mona, Kingston, for the event on Saturday, July 1.