Noriko Namiki, the CEO of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), and internationally recognized professional tri-athlete, Natalia Kravchuk, spoke to sophomores about the importance of exercise and promoted Workout Week (WOW).

The YWCA began as a welfare movement in Britain which has spread to many countries in the world. It is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA has three locations on Oahu, two in Honolulu and one in Kaneohe.

Kravchuk said, “Exercising is very important to keep in shape and stay healthy. Rather than seeing exercise as a burden, I make it part of my everyday routine. I try to wake up at 5:00 a.m. and finish my exercise before my day starts because it makes me feel so awake and comfortable throughout the day.”

During WOW, the first week of each month, the YWCA provides classes and allows use of its facilities to the public for free.

Namiki said, “WOW was started to promote healthy lifestyles and exercising to people, especially young children and teens. I want people to take advantage of this opportunity. It’s a good way to experience many different types of exercising.”

Sophomore Nia Fernandez said, “Participating in the small demonstration and listening to what they had to stay, I think that it encouraged us to get more active. I stay active year-round, but many other people don’t exercise at all. It’s a health risk and I think it is important that they start to exercise and stay in shape for their health.”

Richel Cole, a graduate of the Academy, helped to organize this activity. In high school, she was actively a part of the youth board and is currently working in marketing with YWCA.