Free-weight interval training is a six week boot camp-like program that runs four days a week from 4-5 p.m. and challenges people of all fitness levels. The program is designed so that no workout is identical, and it incorporates cardio, resistance training, plyometrics, kickboxing, pilates, yoga, cycling and more.
The F.I.T. program was started by exercise science major and 2011 graduate Kelsey Werth, a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
“I wanted to give Creighton students a revival of fitness, ideas of new things to try, a sense of community and accountability, information about topics of health that we don’t always know much about and because it’s the reason I love my job,” Werth said. “I have seen progress and changes in every single person that joins F.I.T. and dedicates the energy to achieving their goals.”
This spring marks the year-and-a-half anniversary of Werth’s program. She sees a variety of people in her class, from faculty and staff, to undergraduate and professional school students, and men and women.
“I hope that F.I.T. challenges me to be more efficient when working out,” Arts & Sciences senior Kelly McManus said. “I would love to be able to walk away after these next six weeks with some new tips and tricks that I could do on my own.”
Requirements to join the program are minimal: a 40 dollar registration cost for pre- and post-testing along with the drive to take your fitness to the next level are all that are needed. However, there is a maximum limit of 40 people for the program. This year, over 50 people signed up.
There are obvious benefits to being involved in a fitness routine, such as the mental and physical health working out provides.
“Besides the physical changes and progress that I witness throughout the program, I see how awesome it feels to gain a sense of control over one’s own health and knowledge of exercise and wellness,” Werth said. “It’s an empowering thing to challenge yourself and feel the encouragement of the whole group with you going through the same thing.”
Working out can also be a social activity among friends who keep each other accountable for showing up and pushing forward every day.
“I signed up with my roommate, and I’ve talked to many of my other friends to convince them to sign-up for F.I.T., as well,” McManus said. “My friends will help keep me motivated and it will be fun to work out along side of them.”
Those who have done the program in the past are glad they have.
“I am [glad I did the program],” Arts & Sciences sophomore Victoria Coakley said. “In fact, I am doing it again this spring. F.I.T. got me back into the shape I was in, or close to it, when I was in three seasons of sports in high school.”