THE participants in the Jamaica Observer/Gymkhana Fitness Challenge are moving into their third week of chiselling, finetuning and inching closer to their respective goals. So far, based on the points system, they have been keeping strides with each other because the numbers are locked.

Last Monday, Gymkhana’s General Manager Peter Morris announced the first opportunity for challengers to pull away from the pack in the form of a bonus challenge that would’ve earned the participants an extra point. Guess what?

They all turned up for the bonus class and, of course, this reporter was also in tow. Conducted by personal trainer Gisel Harrow, the challengers worked their bodies for one hour in the bonus session with a few water breaks inbetween. Using the stability ball, Gisel walked the participants through a sculpting class that got hearts pumping.

There will be several opportunities over the three-month period to attend bonus classes, but Morris told the challengers that they will not see much difference in the score until time to check in on how well they are meeting their goals. The first of which is in two weeks’ time.

“You get a point for every time you come to the gym, as we have recommended that you have at least two rest days, the maximum earnings from this is five points,” Morris explained. “When we get to our goals, if you have met your goals within that period you will get 10 points; if you have tried, come to the gym, followed what the instructor said, and you have achieved 50 per cent of that goal, you will still get points — seven points.”

There is a flip side to the points system though. If challengers fail to attend the gym and follow the instructions of their respective trainers then they will lose two points.

The participants are so far energised and say they are excited about coming to their workouts. They also only have positives to say about their trainers who are tracking their progress and working diligently to help them achieve their goals.