For Stokely Rose, fitness and nature go hand in hand

Stokely Rose’s appreciation for the outdoors began during his childhood in Comfort Valley, St Mary. Raised by his grandparents and surrounded by nature, he developed an affinity for the freedom and simplicity of outdoor life. That early connection, combined later with his passion for fitness, now shapes his work as founder of TrainFit Club and his belief that personal and environmental well-being are inseparable.

“I’ve always had an affinity [for] the outdoors and rustic aesthetics. I have never thought of doing anything else in life besides being free in nature,” he shared with Lifestyle.

After moving to Kingston to live with his mother, Rose attended Calabar High School, where he was introduced to competitive track and field. He represented the school at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships and later represented Jamaica at various competitions.

His experience as an athlete deepened his interest in fitness and eventually led him to establish TrainFit Club in 2009, where he encourages others to make movement part of their lives.

“I have always been involved in fitness and enjoying the outdoors, so I decided to launch this fitness club because it is something I am very passionate about,” he said. “I never feel like I’m working in my day-to-day life; I’m just having fun doing something I love.”

Rose’s interest in fitness also shapes how he views the environment. He believes caring for one’s physical well-being should go hand in hand with protecting one’s surroundings.

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Rose’s partnership with the Forestry Department began in 2014. Since then, its outdoor initiatives have taken him to parts of the island he might otherwise never have explored, from hiking in Holywell to travelling as far as Westmoreland. Each outing, he said, has strengthened his connection to Jamaica’s natural spaces.

“I would love to see Jamaica’s forestry become a major attraction for not only tourists but also residents,” he said. “After partnering with the Forestry Department, I have visited a few of theirs and, after each visit, I am more in awe.”

One of his earliest outings with the department was a hike in Holywell, where tree planting formed part of the activity. The experience also made him realise that many Jamaicans may be unaware of the natural spaces beyond the island’s better-known destinations.

“If it wasn’t for the Forestry Department, I would have never known about these spaces or their initiative to plant trees on every hike,” he added. “I’m sure there are also many others who are unaware of how beautiful the forests are on our island.”

Rose served as race patron for this year’s inaugural Forestry Run 5K, an appointment he said “means the world” to him. Through the role, he hoped to bring greater attention to the importance of Jamaica’s forests and encourage more people to experience them.

“I believe in charity, giving back, and I believe in protecting the environment, and I have lived my life in that way,” he said.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com