March 31, 2004

By: Holly Moran
Website: http://www.1st-in-fitness.com

Fitness expert creates exclusive walking program for luxury line

The most popular exercise in the world will find its sea legs when fitness expert Debbie Rocker debuts her exclusive Walk-On-Water exercise program aboard the award-winning ships of Crystal Cruises later this year. Designed to maximize the many health benefits of walking, the innovative program, featuring Rocker’s revolutionary weighted WALKVESTr by Debbie Rocker, allows guests to expand their fitness regimen in idyllic settings around the world. Tailor-made for Crystal, Rocker’s Walk-On-Water regimen will be introduced on Crystal Harmony’s holiday cruise on December 22, 2003, and then rolled-out fleetwide in January 2004.

The main feature of the Walk-On-Water program is Rocker’s exclusive WALKVESTr, a lightweight cotton vest with weight pockets strategically located around the mid-section. In contrast to exercising with hand-held or ankle weights, which may alter the natural stride and can wrench the spine, WALKVESTr places weights around the waistline, providing better support and equilibrium control. More than a dozen specially designed weight pockets hold one or more weights in half-pound increments, allowing for a gradual increase from two to sixteen pounds.

The WOW program takes full advantage of the expansive Promenade Deck found aboard each ship – a unique feature not found on many of today’s cruise ships – and uses the WALKVESTr together with customized motivational music-driven audiotapes, a day-by-day guided walking program, and educational instructions on how to walk safely and effectively on deck. Each ship in the Crystal fleet will be equipped with 40 WALKVESTs, customized with the Crystal logo, and Rocker will personally train Crystal’s sports directors on the nuances of the WOW-WALKVESTr walking program.

“We strive to stay a step ahead of current trends to provide our guests with enrichment opportunities that will benefit both the mind and the body,” says Kristin Turner, Crystal’s manager, enrichment programs. “Walking is the exercise most commonly recommended by physicians - its health benefits are extensive, and it can be done safely at any age. By incorporating Debbie Rocker’s leading-edge technology and fitness experience with Crystal’s engaging activities and beautiful worldwide destinations, we have created a program that will rejuvenate and stimulate our guests.”

“We are excited about this unique joint venture with Crystal Cruises. Walking is the most popular form of exercise in the world, and it's a thrill to be launching a program that provides guests on board with a convenient, exciting and motivational way to keep up with, or begin, an exercise routine,” says Debbie Rocker, WALKVESTr creator. “Walk-On-Water brings numerous benefits and possibilities to both WALKVESTr and Crystal Cruises.”

Professionally-designed for postural benefits and back safety, doctors recommend exercising with WALKVESTr to strengthen bones and muscles while also increasing cardiovascular strength. Walking with WALKVESTr helps burn more fat and calories than walking alone. Additional benefits of WALKVESTr include lowered blood pressure; reduced stress; lowered cholesterol; enhanced stamina and increased energy. Guests who Walk-On-Water will rack up miles, burn calories, and feel great. Those achieving pre-set walking goals between various ports of call will be eligible for special prizes, including a WALKVESTr. Ultimately, cruise guests will be able to buy (or win) customized Crystal Cruises’ WALKVESTr kits for walking at home and for repeat cruises.

Each evening, guests participating in the program will receive inspirational and informational flyers in their stateroom. Additionally, Rocker will work in conjunction with Crystal’s executive chefs to identify dining selections from the ships’ menus that provide options for a luxuriously healthy lifestyle plan. As the program evolves, the line expects to offer walking tours ashore, combining the benefits of walking with the discovery of new destinations.

Author Notes:

Holly Moran contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-fitness.com.  A source of information and helpful tips on various types of fitness equipment.