Fraternity jumpstarts healthy workout initiative

The brothers of Omega Psi Phi have set a goal for a healthy lifestyle for the entire campus that is quickly catching on.

As part of their new initiative, Work Owt Wednesdays, the Ques were in full effect at the FAMU Recreation Center from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday in order to promote a healthy lifestyle to students.

Brian Haley, 22, an alumus from Stone Mountain, Ga., is the mastermind behind the event. Although he was satisfied with the turn out since it was the first one, he is hoping that eventually every student will regularly attend the workout sessions.

“We just want to get everyone real active and healthy,” Haley said. “We are also hoping to partner up with other organizations in order to bring out more people to the gym.”

Tavures Williams, 20, a third-year political science student from Ft. Lauderdale and a member of Omega Psi Phi, believes the event has the potential to change the lives of his fellow peers.

“This is an initiative for the entire campus to become more fit, which will also give them a better lifestyle,” Williams said.
According to Haley, the Ques want to eventually start weekly workout classes.

“We could maybe even arrange the classes according to what body parts students want to concentrate on,” Haley said.

Besides coming to workout, students are also encouraged to bring canned goods as part of the Que Thanksgiving food drive. The cans will go to the Capital Region YMCA, and will provide meals for needy families during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“We are asking for the National Pan Hellenic Council to donate 150 cans as well ask students to bring as many cans as possible,” Williams said.

Yolanda Baylor, 21, a professional business administration student from Mitchetville, Md., and member of Delta Sigma Theta said, “Work Owt Wednesdays are a great way to get students to appreciate the school gym.”

“We [Deltas] wanted to come out and support the bruhs and to get in shape,” Baylor said.

“We have this great facility and it’s never packed. This is a way to get people here.”
Students like Baylor and Williams encourage all students to come to the Work Owt Wednesdays.

“There needs to be more events like these,” Baylor said.

“This is a way for the campus to get excited about being healthy,” added Williams.

Join the “Work-owt Wednesdays” Facebook group to learn more, or go to the FAMU Recreation Center from 2-4 p.m. to join the healthy lifestyle initiative.