Located around the Pompidou-Metz Center, they never fail to catch the eye of the curious, but are now part of the landscape for everyone who frequents the Amphitheater district. Every Monday and Wednesday, athletes from all walks of life come together to participate in the “Fit Camp,” a free outdoor sports session. Let’s take a look back at this booming concept in Metz.
With good weather, social media communication, and press interest, the “Fit Camp” continues to attract followers. From a handful of participants in 2021, they are now well over a hundred since the end of Covid-19, gathering every Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm under the roof of the Pompidou-Metz and in front of the Arenas in summer.
A record of over 150 participants was even set a few days ago.
Free Sports for Everyone
The success of the “Fit Camp” lies in the simplicity of the recipe. An hour of free sport with nothing but body weight as a tool: “We have cardio with jumping jacks, running, forward-backward, and lateral movements, and we also focus on strengthening exercises. We work on planks, push-ups and squats, accompanied by music and a lot of good humor,” the founder explains.
To participate, simply show up in sportswear with your own water bottle. “It’s really open to everyone. Even someone who has never done sports before can go at their own pace, and if there are more challenging exercises, they can adapt. We are all about mutual aid, team spirit, and zero judgment,” says Yass.
Marie-Carmen discovered the initiative two years ago while walking her dog: “I saw a group of people with music jumping around. There was really great energy.” She quickly joined a session before becoming a loyal participant. “I don’t like being cooped up in a gym, I prefer being outdoors. Here, it’s great, there is a community where everyone takes care of each other,” she says.
On-site, there are infants, athletes, and elderly people. Some come with family, others with friends. The volunteer coaches are always welcoming to newcomers and invite the curious to join them.
“The group effect allows you to push yourself a little more. You leave with a smile even if you had a crappy day before,” assures Loïc, who has been regularly participating in Fit Camp for over a year. He even invited his friend Fernando to the session. “I just hope to have fun and do some sports,” says Fernando as the warm-up is about to begin.
Increasingly popular, the Fit Camp does not plan to stop anytime soon. “By summer, it would be great if we reached 200 people and why not aim for 300 after that,” shares Yass, who does not rule out one day reaching the milestone of 500 united athletes. “Together, we present a beautiful image of the city of Metz,” he enthuses.
