For the past nine years, Shaquan Powell has been a motivational fitness trainer hosting his Annual Boot Camp sessions at Eastside Park, Paterson, NJ. Every year the crowd gets bigger as he pushes your body to the limit to conquer endurance, strength and personal weight loss goals. Powell's followers meet on the weekends near the lower end of the park near the stairs for an intense 1-hour workout. Starting with approximately 200 jumping jacks as a warm-up exercise really gets the heart rate pumping. The crowd groans when late arrivers come to which he tackles on an additional 100 or more jumping jacks followed by a stretching routine. With a small use of exercise equipment: resistance band, jump rope and a yoga mat, Powell is able to give you a total body training combined with high-intensity cardio. | Powell is like "Speedy Gonzalez" as he races up and down the steps while other boot camp goers try to keep up the pace. He encourages everyone to go at the level they are most comfortable with. However, those that are parallel to his swiftness are just as eager to keep up with Powell's fitness level. His motto, "If you ain't moving, you ain't losing" is the tag line that keeps fitness enthusiast inspired to persevere during his killer routine workouts. Volunteering his time, Powell makes boot camp challenging and fun. With his wise crack jokes and infectious personality, people can't help but to keep coming back every summer. Prior to Eastside Boot Camp, he begins the faithful many at Killer Hill, which he as been hosting for five years. Powell, who has always wanted to do something for the community, saw a need and decided to begin a boot camp series. | He said, "First, it started with three people and then it grew. I get satisfaction out of seeing people get results. It's such a high." After 60 minutes of non stop cardio vascular activity and strength training, boot camp always end with a powerful closing prayer. Powell prays for the City of Paterson, its youth and for the health of everyone who attended the session. "I love it," Powell said. "Boot camp is bigger than working out; it's my family and I absolutely love it!" |