TrainFit Club hosted its annual FITMAS on Sunday, bringing to the event this year some new intimate experiences.

The event featured a hike/ nature trail, yoga session and picnic by the river and newly-introduced massages by HEART NSTA Trust Salon 10, Christmas curated stops along the trail and a mistletoe moment courtesy of major sponsor M Catering.

FITMAS kicked off at 5:30am at Shortwood Practising School where patrons were feted by sponsors with refreshments and outdoor gears to prepare for the outdoor activities.

It was a 5.5mile hike from the starting point and patrons went through communities including Padmore before returning to R.E.N.U. Padmore was the mid-way and refresher stop for hikers that featured music courtesy of Big Axe’s community shop.

Dr Ryan Halsall and wife enjoy a “Mistletoe moment” at FitMas courtesy of M Catering.

There were some varied views by 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,” Dr Ryan Halsall, OBGYN Surgeon at ILAP Medical, said.

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,” Dr Dawes joked.

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

Patrons took approximately 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.

“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 the event, adding “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.”

Shereen Campbell (FitMas Event Manager) presents a gift basket to Junior Philp (second from right), proprietor of
R.E.N.U. and his family.

FitMas 2024 is giving part proceeds to the May Pen Hospital’s Gynaecological Outpatient Department, in partnership with Dr 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,” applauded Dr Halsall, adding that there is a significant strain on the hospital because inadequate resources exist 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. Donations are still being collected towards this cause by the club.

“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,” affirmed Rose.
Persons interested in making donations can email the club at communications@trainfitclubja.com or call 876-587-2249.

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.