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MUSC Boot Camp 

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
Boot camp recruit Aaron Richardson strains to complete warm-up arm circles with other participants during the first day of MUSC Boot Camp on Sept. 20. About 120 men and women enrolled in the 12-week fitness program. 

At 6 a.m. when most Lowcountry people are slowly rising from their beds, a band of sleepy-eyed but dedicated recruits are pushing through the rigors of jumping jacks, diamond push-ups and other calisthenics at the Harper Student Center gymnasium. 

The activity is part of MUSC's new boot camp fitness program, an intense weekday regimen  designed to help members increase their upper- and lower-body strength and flexibility and enhance their cardiovascular endurance. The 12-week program, modeled after the Marine Corps Physical Training program, is led by Marine Staff Sgt. David McGrath. 

Staff Sgt. David McGrath

“The turnout has been incredible,” McGrath said. “This is a unique opportunity for people to try something that's different and outside of their regular fitness routine. It's an enthusiastic and energetic program that's good for the body and mind.”

More than 100 men and women reported on Sept. 20 for the first day of camp. Recruits focus on their daily seven routine, a series of seven different exercises, before moving to a 30-minute running activity and cool-down. 

For more information, call the Harper Student Center at 792-5757 or e-mail Julian Smith at smithjul@musc.edu.

Friday, Sept. 24, 2004
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.