The Factory of Fitness

A few young men are playing basketball and kicking around a football. In half an hour the scene is transformed to an energetic work out as more than 20 people, mostly women, sweat to pulse pounding soca music. And though on the surface it may look like just any other random exercise session it is actually one of the initiatives of a multi-faceted fitness organisation that has been changing lives, transforming bodies and bringing communities together for the past seven years.

That organisation is Five Star Fitness Factory and Sunday Newsday chatted with its CEO Stefan Theophilus last week.

An army corporal, Theophilus is from Covigne Road, Diego Martin. He recalled that back in 2011 a neighbour, Maurisa Hinds, encouraged him to have a fitness session on the basketball court. Theophilus did not want to do it but as she continued to “badger” him he eventually gave in.

He asked his friend and fellow graduate of Diego Martin Government Secondary (now Diego Martin Central) Justin Spring to join him. The first session was held on September 5, 2011 and Theophilus initially planned to run the sessions for three months.

“But when I saw the turn out and the different generations - grandmothers, mothers, children, everybody coming out we just decided to continue the vibes as they say and it grew into a household name.” He said they did not plan anything outside of the sessions on the court but when people saw pictures and videos they started receiving requests for their services. He recalled that Guardian Life asked them to visit for their health month and “do something.” The company has remained with them from that time to the present and they now conduct sessions with Guardian Life West Mall, Chaguanas and Maraval Road.

After Guardian Life, other businesses reached out to them also requesting their services. Theophilus said the business “built itself ” through their social media which is all managed by instructor James Bascombe.

When they r e a l i s e d that so many people wanted their services, they decided to make it a formal business and registered the name. Theophilus came up with the name Five Star Fitness Factory because the term “five star” is synonymous with quality and to fit with the mantra of “manufacturing healthier lifestyles” he came up with “factory.” The organisation expanded to include hikes, team building activities, hosting of sports days, acting as master of ceremonies, photography and massage therapy.

Theophilus explained that each member of the team branched off and got certified in various skills.

In terms of patrons, he said a number of them have been with Five Star Fitness Factory since 2011 and some have elevated to the level of instructors.

Lianna McKenzie, 23, has been with Five Star for five years and is training to become a fitness instructor with the Defence Force.

Asked what has kept her with the group she replied, “the vibes and everything.” For the sessions, Theophilus said they “go intense” so even the fittest participant will be tested.

“We ask they push as hard as they can. As much as they could get.

Work hard, rest. Eventually they will find they will work harder.” He said they also alternate exercises according to the skill level.

People who stick with them are able to get fitter and achieve their fitness goals.

Theophilus said besides increasing their fitness level or losing weight some people report that attending the sessions is their “peace of mind in the evening.” He described it as a “joy” to see the community come out continuously and support the sessions. The contribution for the session is $5 which is to offset the cost of new music and to repair the speakers. He stressed that nowhere else would one receive the level of quality training at that price.

“We don’t give people an excuse not to train.” Regarding the wider fitness community, Theophilus said they are a household name, are mentioned regularly and are invited to many events. He added they are often recommended on social media as place for people looking to improve their fitness.

Member Thyrese Gardner, 19, from Petit Valley, has been coming out for the past few weeks. She said it has been “very good” and she likes that they cater for everyone including children.

“Most fitness groups don’t do that,” she added.

She also said it is a fun fitness group to be involved with and she likes that they have sessions in different parts of the country.

From Covigne Road, their base, they have expanded to Knowles Street, Curepe and also conduct sessions at Guardian Group branches, with TTE C and they do team building with the Unit Trust Corporation.

The group’s eldest member is Ulrica Calliste at 63. Nicknamed “Supergran” she runs marathons and has been with Five Star for the past two years. She said she enjoys the exercise and “feeling young.” “It keeping me good,” Calliste said.

One of the few men participating on Thursday was 41-year-old Maurice Charles from Covigne. He has been with Five Star for a year and described them as “excellent”.

“When you (finish) you (would have gotten) a good training.” Five Star vice president Justin Spring, who is a leading seaman in the Coast Guard, said the organisation has grown into even more than he expected. He explained they came out to give back to the community and to promote healthier lifestyles. He said people can come for an hour and feel good about themselves rather than sitting at home watching television. He said during the sessions people would look out their window and others would work out with them from their gallery.

“To see people enjoy the work out...it encourages us as well. We know it is not in vain.” Spring is from Diamond Vale but he said Covigne Road has become home to him as well. Asked about the reputation Covigne Road has regarding crime, Spring responded that is the first thing people bring up when he tells them about the sessions. He said he has been going there since his school days and he has seen the positive transformation. He pointed out the sessions on the basketball court have been a major change, and to have predominantly women exercising at night, including those from outside of Covigne, showed this change.

Theophilus said Five Star hopes to increase the number of instructors so they can have sessions in more areas.

This is the first year they have released a calendar of events and these include Fitness on the Ferry (burnout on a boat) and their first 10k run and aerobics burnout.

During the year, they also participate in other fitness events like Fusion and Hardcore.

He said many members have reported pregnancies.

“When they go home and feeling and looking sexy their significant others can’t help themselves,” he explained.

The organisation has been expanded to include Five Star Fit Kid Factory which caters for children. He said some of the participants see themselves as family and have become friends, showing affection and appreciation.

“They want their children to grow up in the fitness thing. Some have never exercised before.

They see it as a joy.” For more information please call 708-6678 or 355-1930, email fivestar f itnessfactory@ gmail.com, check out their website www.fivestarfitnessfactory.

com or check out their Facebook page.