By Mark Yanai

What’s a WORC WOD?

L1060054

It’s 6:00 am…the Kaneohe roosters are crowing, the sun still sleeping and it’s the perfect time for a workout. Your body is fully charged from a good night’s sleep and you can’t wait to get to W.O.R.C., not because you like to work but because you love W.O.R.C. (Windward Occupational Rehab Center) where every Thursday, a group of die hards meet before the crack of dawn to get in a WOD (Workout of the Day). It all started on New Year’s Eve of 2013 with a group of guys who wanted to get in one last workout before the end of the year. Since then, the group has evolved to whomever wants to show up at early in the morning and start the day with some good ‘ol sweat.

IMAG2204 IMAG2191

The format of the WOD changes every week. You never know what you’ll end up doing when you walk through the door. It’s not crossfit, but a blend of functional exercises that include TRX, kettlebells, sandbags, sleds, pulleys, medicine balls, etc. The workouts are usually high intensity interval training (HIIT) with some form of competition. We always include the competitive part which usually gives everyone a little more motivation to push themselves.

L1040053

The WOD means something different for everyone but the intent isn’t to lose weight or build muscle. The intent is to find out something about yourself. How do you control your emotions when you’re pushing yourself physically? How do you feel when you compete against others and especially, yourself? How much gratification do you get when you accomplish something as a team?

If you want to be a part of the WORC WOD, all you have to do is show up – Tuesdays, 6:00 am .  That’s the hardest part. Once you do, you’ll get to experience a great group of people who come together once a week and have a lot of fun.