In an endeavour to promote fitness and camaraderie among sailors and officers, HMAS Stirling geared up to host its inaugural Fit Games this October.
Dubbed as ‘Stirling’s Fittest’, the event promised thrilling competition showcasing the physical prowess and determination of Navy personnel.
Spearheaded by Physical Training Instructor Chief Petty Officer Tamara Prins, innovative fitness sessions like ‘the daily WOD (workout of the day)’ were introduced, offering dynamic workouts tailored to accommodate participants of all fitness levels and schedules.
“The daily WOD was conceived to inject energy into our daily routines and make fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of their commitments,” Chief Petty Officer Prins said.
The success of these sessions paved the way for the introduction of Olympic lifting classes, catering to individuals interested in weightlifting training.
However, the crowning moment came with the official endorsement of CrossFit as a Level Four approved sport in Defence by the ADF Sports Council, which spurred the conception of the Fit Games.
Chief Petty Officer Prins, a staunch advocate of weightlifting, said she felt the transformative impact of this discipline on her personal fitness journey.
Having overcome her own injuries through dedicated training and rehabilitation, Chief Petty Officer Prins champions weightlifting as a means to improve mobility and alleviate pain, regardless of one’s athletic background.
The integration of CrossFit into Navy fitness programs owes much to the advocacy of Physical Training Instructor Petty Officer Matthew Rowe, a driving force behind the sport’s recognition within the Defence community.
Petty Officer Rowe’s efforts culminated in the establishment of the ADF Association facilitating Navy personnel’s participation in the fitness phenomenon.
The Fit Games symbolise more than just a competition, also embodying Navy’s commitment to holistic wellbeing and physical readiness.
