Apart from the intense exercise from cycling for 30 non-stop minutes on a stationary bicycle, taking part in the GCWCC Spin-a-thon on November 18 was also an opportunity to socialize with individuals from other units, according to Sergeant Cynthia Hitchon.
The annual Spin-a-thon, which took place in Building 21 on November 18, is held as part of the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign.
The GCWCC is the largest and most generous charitable campaign in Canada, notes their website. Every year, federal public servants and retirees raise awareness and funds to help the people and communities who need it most.
The Spin-a-thon was organized by PSP fitness and sports instructor Antoni Kieloch and ran from 0900 hrs. - 1500 hrs. He was assisted by other PSP fitness and sports instructors.
“The leaders (instructors facing the other cyclists) are giving direction of what the riders should be doing on their bikes—how fast, how much resistance, and they’re trying to follow along as best they can,” Mr. Kieloch explained.
He added that units paid a minimum of $20 to reserve a bike.
“The money goes toward a good cause, and it’s a lot of fun,” Mr. Kieloch said, as energetic pop music blared in the background while the leaders shouted cycling instructions to the participants.
“I thought it was great,” Sgt Hitchon, who works at 1 Canadian Air Division, said.
“It’s a good way for people to get together and see people that they don’t normally see, and to get some exercise at the same.”
Dylan James, Health Promotion Administration Assistant, agreed that the cycling was a good work out with lots of ups and downs.
“I like the spin-a-thon. It’s a good way to raise money for the GCWCC,” he said.
Mr. James and Health Promotion Specialist Leona Bond were staffing the PSP addictions awareness risk display table.
“It’s good to see everyone working up a sweat,” Mr. James added.
“My legs are a little wobbly, but it feels good.”
Major Pam Harris, who works at 1 CAD with the Air Force Military Police Group HQ, was wearing a pink T-Shirt decorated with the name, Sugar Rushers—the team from her unit that was taking part in the Spin-a-thon.
“I’m up next for my team,” she said, as she was getting ready to take a turn on one of the bikes.
“It sounds like it’s a lot of hard work for my team. I’m a member of the women’s base hockey team, so this will be good for my legs.”
Captain Brandy Jacobs, who’s with the AFNP Group, had just finished her 30 minutes on a bike.
“At first you think you’re just going to pedal it out, but you just have to follow what the instructors do,” she said.
“I love being active. I do beach body workouts every day. I play softball and volleyball. Everybody should give the Spin-a-thon a try. You put more into it than you think.”