Fitness contest raises money for Glendale nonprofit
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Glendale firefighters, along with members of Montrose women’s gym, raised nearly $1,800 during a battle-of-the-sexes fitness challenge on Saturday for a Glendale-based nonprofit that helps burn survivors.
More than 100 people showed up to watch the two teams — made up of eight Glendale firefighters and eight women from Keen Fitness — duke it out.
For the second year in a row, the women of Keen Fitness claimed the title, with their team members reportedly logging 20 more reps than the men during three short, identical workouts.
During one of the workouts, both teams had to complete 25 burpees — which involves dropping to push-up position, and then jumping up — in three minutes, and with whatever time was left, complete as many thrusters — a movement that combines a front squat with a push press while carrying weights — as possible.
Together, the members of the women’s team completed 258 thrusters in the leftover time, while the men’s team completed 250, said gym owner Ankeen Soulat, who organized the event with Glendale firefighter Ara Hoonanian.
“As a coach, I couldn’t be any prouder of my girls,” Soulat said.
The proceeds from ticket, baked good and raffle sales went to Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors, a nonprofit founded by Glendale Battalion Chief Tom Propst that helps burn survivors, as well as their family members, through their recovery. The organization also helps burn centers purchase equipment, Propst said.
“It’s a great amount of money to raise in under two hours,” Soulat said. “I think every year can just get bigger and better.”
Last year, a similar competition between the two groups was held at the gym, raising roughly $1,500 for an after-school program.
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Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com
Twitter: @atchek