Gallery • 7 Photos

Mckoye Matthews

CARICATURE: Pre-Law Academy Senior Mckoye Matthews drew his take on the Fitness Club with his editorial cartoon, colorized by Digital Design Senior Brendon Morris. Medical Academy instructor Nurse Naywona Graham, who started the club, said of her likeness in the drawing, "It's awesome. I love it!" Photos of the club in action follow.

As a nurse of 20 years and a former collegiate powerlifter, Medical Academy instructor Nurse Naywona Graham said she feels “comfortable educating on nutrition and wellness along with educating on the basics of strength training.”

This year she started a Fitness Club held on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 every week in Room 305 for “all students and staff who are interested.” 

Members hydrate, then head off to the gym to do stretching, weight training, core workout, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardio.

She said her goals were to initiate a “lifestyle change” where members can incorporate exercise into their daily routines to achieve a healthier lifestyle, and potentially influence their friends and family.

Members said they have goals, habits, and changes which they are working toward.

“I’m focusing on maintaining my routine of working out three times a week and maybe adding more days,” said Keteria Wilson, a Senior in the Culinary Academy.

Mirlanda Vincent, also a Senior in Culinary, said, “I’ve always wanted to work out with a group of people. It helps me feel motivated. I drink a lot more water. I used to only drink two cups of water. Now I drink about seven or eight.”

Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“For now,” said Ms. Graham, “I want to assist students who have little knowledge or time to incorporate exercise into their daily routines, which will build, motivate and encourage others and myself to work out.”