November 11, 2011 — Parker University recently held its first annual Mr. and Ms. Parker Fitness Competition. The competition comprised of a strength, endurance, and flexibility performance as well as a posing presentation.
Parker students who competed for the title of Mr. and Ms. Parker Fitness included Nicole Heilsberg, Abbye Mladenka, Kara Stephenson, Jason Christ, Nathan Gomez, and Darrell Thompson.
“As a chiropractic wellness institution, it’s important that our students understand the value of taking care of their body and expressing that to their patients by setting an example through their personal health,” said Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker University. “It’s great to see Parker students with such determination to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Darrell Thompson and Nicole Heilsberg were crowned as Mr. and Ms. Parker Fitness. Both Mr. and Ms. Parker Fitness received a $300 cash prize.
“I’m so passionate about fitness because every day I am blessed by God to take care of my body, to help change lives, and to be an example of good health,” said Thompson. “In the health profession, it’s really important to not only educate, but also be in good health as well. In order to teach, we have to be masters at what we’re teaching. I have a passion to help others live a more comfortable, healthier lifestyle.”
Serving as a certified personal trainer for seven years, Thompson was named Top Trainer for the city of Austin, Texas. He trains six days a week and stays consistent in eating a healthy diet.
Heilsberg has been working out her whole life. An avid runner, she’s competed in marathons and has taken personal training classes. She previously taught fitness classes such as cycling, core, strength, and conditioning classes.
Her training regimen is six days a week, which consists of weights for every muscle group and cardio training for her participation as a runner and basketball player in Chiro Games.
“Especially with times of high stress, staying active and fit is needed to stay sane,” said Heilsberg. “Fitness makes me feel great and I think it’s beneficial to be able to set an example for my future clients. Living an active, healthy lifestyle can help keep your life balanced and achieve things you never thought possible.”
The competition was judged by George DeJohn, fitness expert, author, and radio personality as the host of the “Train Station Fitness Show” on Sports Radio 1310 “The Ticket” for more than 14 years and Dr. Beau Hightower, a 2010 Parker graduate, currently serving as the director of sports therapy and rehab for Airrosti Rehab Centers in Las Colinas, Texas. He’s also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Additional judges included Dr. Abby Perone, a 2011 Parker graduate and associate doctor at Las Colinas Spine and Sports Medicine and Highland Park Spine and Sports Medicine; Dr. Vince Scheffler, a 2007 graduate of Parker, who specialized in sports specific rehabilitation, holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) license, and was recognized by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP); and Patrice Watson, expo coordinator of Parker Seminars, who served as a Seattle Seahawks Cheerleader for nine years and received the title of Cheerleader of the Year.
Source: Parker University, www.parker.edu
