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thedrifter
12-17-04, 07:37 AM
Marines build new club, bodies
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 2004121704318
Story by Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Floto



CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan - (Dec. 17, 2004) -- While many Marines here spend the mid-day hours at the chow halls or food courts bulking up on carbohydrates to replenish themselves from morning physical training, a group of imposing Marines can be found lifting sets of dumbbells and straining their muscles against stacks of iron to achieve massive physiques.

The Marines, regulars who frequent the Ironworks Gym here, have decided to form the first bodybuilding club on Okinawa, beginning with an initial meeting Dec. 20, according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Gene E. Calvin, the III Marine Expeditionary Force maintenance management chief and personal trainer at Ironworks Gym.

"It started out as an unofficial thing with the seven of us getting together during lunch hours to work out, but when the (9th Annual Far East Bodybuilding Competition) came around in August, we wanted to make it official," Calvin said. "Overall, we just want to take our physical fitness to a higher level than Marine Corps standards and also focus on bodybuilding competitions."

The St. Louis native added that every regular in the group can easily complete the 20 pull-ups and 100 abdominal crunches on their semiannual physical fitness tests, and the five master gunnery sergeants in the club are each capable of bench pressing more than 300 pounds.

"I got started by working out with these guys at lunchtime, and it definitely has its advantages," said Master Gunnery Sgt. Mark E. Clemmons, the III MEF electronics maintenance chief. "We are a really tight-knit group, always drawing motivation from each other."

The Detroit native joked that if a member misses a workout to go to the food court, fellow members will hunt him down and drag him back to the weight room.

"Our motto is 'take your weightlifting belt wherever you go,'" Clemmons said. "We strive to make it to every workout, no matter where we are."

The goal of the club is to push members' personal fitness to higher levels as well as bring more popularity to the sport of bodybuilding on Okinawa, according to Calvin.

The group is hoping for support in advertising their accomplishments and funding for competitions through Marine Corps Community Services.

In addition to the motivation they provide one another during their grueling workouts, the members can also provide novice bodybuilders and weightlifting newcomers with workout and nutrition tips vital to successful bodybuilding.

"An individual can learn from other members of the club and can share his knowledge as well," Calvin said. "Everything from training tips to posing techniques and requirements for natural and supplemented nutrition, we share it."

Although bodybuilding enlightenment is a benefit to the members, anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in weight training and fitness is eligible to join the club.

"Anyone with sufficient knowledge, discipline and motivation can be successful in achieving personal fitness goals," Calvin said.

The club will have its initial meeting Dec. 20 at the Camp Foster Community Center. For more information, contact Calvin at 622-7139.


Ellie