US. News and World Report recently
named Alabama as the second most obese state in the U.S. It has an obesity rate
of 31.2 percent, listing it as one of the top 10 most physically inactive
states. Oakwood University Alumnus Tyrel Thomas isn’t taking this information
lightly. He and a few friends have taken seriously this health prognosis of the
state and have decided to begin close to home to try to make changes.

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening
from 6:00-7:00 p.m., Tyrel Thomas and Eric Ramey lead out in circuit training
classes on Oakwood’s campus to try to help students, faculty, and staff,
understand how they can help Alabama get out of its second place ranking. “Our
classes are centered around metabolic circuit training which includes cardio
and calisthenics,” said Thomas, who graduated from Oakwood University in 2012
with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-physical therapy.

Approximately 50 people participate
in Thomas and Ramey’s twice-a-week class. “We were happy that one of our own
decided to come back and give of himself through this fitness class,” said
Raymond King, director of student activities.

Ed Paul-Saint, a senior theology
major, has seen a definite change since he has been taking the class. When
Paul-Saint began the class he weighed in at 245 pounds. He now weighs 227 and
has also noticed that his energy level has increased.

Both Thomas and Ramey are Action
Certified Trainers and are currently taking online classes at Vanderbilt
University dealing with nutrition. “In our fitness classes, we also make sure
that the participants understand that its not just about exercising, its also
about making sure you are putting the right things in your body,” said Ramey, a
Huntsville resident.

--Oakwood University