Exercise may be little more than an annually unfulfilled resolution for some, but no one needs to sell the benefits of physical fitness to Seafarers aboard the Horizon Kodiak.SIU members and officers aboard the vessel already know the many plusses associated with working out – so much so that they recently pitched in to build a nicely equipped shipboard gym.
Horizon Kodiak Recertified Steward Brian Burchette (who also has a background as a personal trainer) pointed out that staying in shape is particularly important for mariners “especially with the rigors at sea that we endure on a daily basis. Also, with the newly added pre-employment physicals that Horizon Lines and other companies now utilize, I believe it is imperative that we as Seafarers make a concerted effort to better ourselves.
“As we are all aware, unlike a land job, there is no sick leave when on a vessel,” he continued. “You are either fit for duty or not fit for duty. For the most part, keeping ourselves healthy and fit goes hand-in-hand with being able to provide for our families.”
With that in mind, Burchette approached the vessel’s captain and brainstormed about the feasibility of building an exercise room. Eventually the idea was approved, and everyone aboard did their part to convert a store room into a gym, complete with free weights, a weight machine and a treadmill.
Burchette said the new furnishings aren’t being wasted. “As they said in the movie Field of Dreams, ‘If you build it, they will come!’”
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