Frank Spina and Kathy Pavese of Strong Together Roxbury CrossFit demonstrate exercise techniques during the ‘RoxWellness Expo” held at Roxbury High School on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7.
ROXBURY TWP. – The first “RoxWellness Expo” made its debut on Friday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, as students at Roxbury High School spent the two days taking free fitness classes including CrossFit and yoga.
The event, which was held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days, also included a vendor fair in which students had the opportunity to speak to representatives from local companies and organizations, including Retro Fitness, the YMCA and a nutritionist from Shoprite of Succasunna.
The Physical Education Department at Roxbury High School launched the event with a goal of promoting healthy lifestyles for students and staff.
“What we want them to get out of this is that there’s so many opportunities in our area to help them get physically fit,” Physical Education teacher Justin Spargo said.
“Not only right now, but for the rest of their lives.”
While the school has a strong Physical education and athletics program that has been ranked nationally, Spargo stressed the importance of getting even more students and staff to lead healthier lifestyles.
“There’s so many opportunities out there,” he added. “There’s no reason to be sitting in front of a TV.”
Frank Spina of Strong Together Roxbury CrossFit taught several 75-minute classes, introducing students to the basics of CrossFit with exercises such as barbell back squats, push presses and high-intensity cardio.
In total, Spina estimated that about 75 students took his classes.
“It was awesome to see such a large turnout,” Spina said. “We were excited to be invited by Roxbury High School to be a part of its wellness expo and thankful for the opportunity to further support our community.”
Spina said the event was a great way to motivate students to become more active.
“As a community, we need to do all that we can to encourage students to live active lifestyles and the expo did just that,” he added. “Everyone in attendance walked away with ways they can be more active and fit and with an increased awareness of the decisions they can make on a daily basis to support their well-being.”
Shelly Quintana of Bee You Yoga & Wellness, who taught a Yoga Nidra Meditation class, also had a very positive experience at the expo.
“The students all appeared to participate,” Quintana said.
“This is a long meditation and there was no fidgeting or resistance. They all seemed to be very relaxed afterwards.”
Quintana, who has been practicing yoga since age nine, is a strong believer in introducing kids to yoga and other types of fitness as early as possible.
“If this expo was able to plant a seed for even one person, then it was a success,” she said.
Stuart Mason, director of athletics and student activities, commended the Physical education staff for organizing the school’s first wellness event.
“Our staff did an amazing job at making all these connections and making this great event happen for our students,” Mason said.
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