Staff members from Naval Hospital Bremerton enhanced their physical readiness training and benefited others by participating in a recent Crossfit experience.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Adam Cerullo, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Lawrence Duran, and Hospital Corpsman Jason Kirkendall competed in ‘Fight Gone Bad,’ an annual worldwide Crossfit event which has raised over $1 million this year alone to benefit non-profit organizations Wounded Warriors Project and Athletes for a Cure.

“Participating in any event to benefit our wounded warriors, regardless of the branch you belong to, should be incentive enough to participate in this event,” said Cerullo. “Crossfit is just another means for us to get together and get a great workout motivating each other.”

Crossfit is a relatively new exercise phenomenon that combines three exercise disciplines: gymnastics, traditional cardio workouts and Olympic-style weightlifting. Key to the workouts is incorporating numerous physical fitness aspects such as cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility, coordination, and agility that make the person continually have to adapt too effectively and efficiently handle the workload to get the most out of the routine.

The ‘Fight Gone Bad’ Crossfit challenge was held at Kitsap Crossfit in Poulsbo and consisted of three, 5-minute rounds of five events in which the individual tries to perform a maximum amount of repetitions or burn the most calories with a one-minute rest period at the end of each round. Event exercises included were 20-pound medicine ball thrown against a target at a height of 10 feet; sumo dead lift high-pull of a 75-pound weight; box jump a height of 20 inches; push-press a weight of 75 pounds; and rowing machine.

“The Wounded Warriors Project is a fantastic program that provides very important and needed assistance to our service men and women who have been severely wounded,” said Dan Hollingsworth, formerly a Navy lieutenant and local physical therapist. “Supporting this organization is a great way to show our service men and women that we truly appreciate the sacrifices they have made and continue to make.”

As with any fitness program, service members should consult with their medical service provider and command fitness leader for guidance and advice before beginning a training regiment.