Marines compete for “Ultimate Warrior” title 

Semper Fit conducted the first “Ultimate Warrior” training session at the Miramar Sports Complex track here Feb. 25 and will continue until the end of August.

“The Ultimate Warrior program is a comprehensive program that is well balanced with cardiovascular and strength training,” said Eric Ramirez, a Semper Fit fitness coordinator.

The one-hour workout begins with 15-minute dynamic warm-up of stretching exercises and then quickly intensifies to a potent combination of strength and agility training.

The interval training burns more calories than steady state training such as running. It also increases overall muscle strength between 20 to 30 percent, explained Ramirez.

The Ultimate Warrior training ends with static stretching to cool down the muscles, and the trainers provide the participants with nutritional advice for enhanced recovery.

In addition to strength training, the program offers health benefits as well.

“This type of conditioning is for overall athletic performance and injury prevention,” said Ramirez.

Heavy loads and strenuous activities can cause Marines to develop physical problems that turn into injuries, explained Ramirez.

“The workout is designed to properly warm-up the muscles before strengthening them and to correct posture and flexibility,” said Riana Rohmann, a Semper Fit personal trainer.

Marines who attended the training were impressed with the intensity of the exercises.

“This training is going to help me improve my PFT [Physical Fitness Test] and CFT [Combat Fitness Test] scores,” said Lance Cpl. Emanuel Patino, a supply clerk with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16.

Semper Fit hosts the training every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 and will conduct different skill competitions throughout the program. There will be a final Ultimate Warrior Championship on Aug. 26.

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