The TrainFit Club delivered a successful FitMas event last Sunday (December 15) after returning from a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FitMas began at 5:30 am at Shortwood Practising School—sponsors treated patrons with refreshments and outdoor gear in preparation for outdoor activities such as a hike and nature trail, yoga session, and picnic by the river. This year’s installation of the event featured novel intimate experiences, including massages by HEART NSTA Trust Salon 10, Christmas-curated stops along the trail, and a mistletoe moment courtesy of major sponsor, M Catering.

For the 5.5-mile hike, patrons trekked through communities including Padmore before returning to R.E.N.U.

“FitMas 2024 was masterful! R.E.N.U. Attractions was undoubtedly the best selection for a venue this year! It is a hidden oasis which represented the perfect beginning and end of our mockingbird stops on the hike,” founder and CEO of TrainFit Club Stokely Rose stated at the end of the eighth staging of this event.

“We are grateful for all our sponsors who made the experience one to remember and to all our patrons, new and repeat, who chose to be with us this Christmas. It has been a wonderful journey. It was more than a hike; it was an experience,”

There were some varied views from patrons as to the level of difficulty of the hike itself.

“The hike was no different from what I expected… a real challenge. Some tough moments. Very long, almost 10k! But it was as beautiful and scenic as promised,” commented Dr.Ryan Halsall, Laparoscopic ObGyn Surgeon at ILAP Medical.

His professional colleague, Dr. Alfred Dawes of Windsor Wellness had a different view.

“The hike was easy. I enjoyed every bit of it. If you see my shirt wet, it was because someone spilt water on me during the trail! No sweat at all. And if you found the trail difficult, be sure to get a checkup at Windsor Wellness to ensure you are doing ok!”

Also present was Dr Ijah Thompson from Essential Medical Services, which was the official medical station provider on duty to ensure all persons had support on call if needed.

Patrons took on average two to three hours to conclude the hike. After the hike, a cool-down yoga activity was hosted by Jo-Hanna Taylor, stress management coach. Patrons had the opportunity to picnic on the lawns of R.E.N.U. or along the riverbanks that flanked the property.

Part proceeds from FitMas 2024 will be donated to the May Pen Hospital (MPH)’s Gynaecological Outpatient Department, in partnership with Dr Ryan Halsall of ILAP Medical.

“The support TrainFit offered for the May Pen Hospital is much appreciated. I am sure it will go a long way to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery in Clarendon,” Dr Halsall remarked.

 He further explained that there is a significant strain on the hospital due to the inadequate resources used to facilitate more elective minor day cases. As a result of the proceeds from this event, MPH can now begin to cut down wait time for patients to receive treatment and lessen the demand for operating theatre time, leaving room for the main operating theatre to focus on major cases.

TrainFit Clun is still collecting donations towards this cause, as Rose noted, “It is our vision to ensure that health and wellness is a continued priority in Jamaica, one event at a time, so we will let you know shortly when donations will be handed over.”

Among the sponsors present were M Catering, Grace Foods, Lucozade, Soyfresh, Sagicor, Carimed, Kendell, Maggi, Heineken 0.0, Wisynco, ILAP Medical, Windsor Wellness, Essential Medical Services, HEART NSTA Salon 10 and SCA Marketing Masterminds. FITMAS 2024 is one of four events that the TrainFit Club executes throughout the year and is held annually in December.