Organizers believe the 10th annual 9/11 Workout at the SLS Centre may have drawn the largest crowd yet, with community members, firefighters, and fitness enthusiasts coming together on Sept. 12 to pay tribute to the 412 first responders who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City.
The event was first created in Cochrane a decade ago by Calgary firefighters Jeremie Hoult with the assistance of Jeff Dommett, and the SLS Centre has been a key supporter of the free workout since the beginning. It has grown steadily each year, with this year’s workout coordinated by SLS Centre fitness programs coordinator Stephanie Marrello.
“It gets bigger every year for sure,” said Hoult, noting the strong presence from both Cochrane and Calgary firefighters. “It’s super awesome that Cochrane Fire can come down and bring their truck, and a whole bunch of their firefighters are here to support.”
For Hoult, the workout remains as meaningful today as it was when it began.
“It always takes you back,” he said. “We go on calls all the time and don’t even really think about it, but this time of year, all the videos and pictures remind you how dangerous it actually can be. Every rep is for somebody who’s never going to get to work out again or see their family.”
SLS Centre fitness programs coordinator Stephanie Marrello has played a key role in continuing to increase the size of the event since she joined the SLS Centre staff.
“Every year it grows, and we’re really grateful for the community to come out and support such an incredible cause,” she said. “I think our local emergency workers are not highlighted enough, and this is just our little bit of appreciation.”
For her, it's also personal.
“My dear friend Lisa was one of the first Canadian paramedics on scene that day,” said Marrello. “She was working in Niagara and drove straight through the night with her partner, got to New York, and went right to work volunteering. So it's very, very close to my heart."
The workout involves 412 reps—one for each first responder who died in the Twin Towers. Exercises can be modified to suit any ability, from push-up alternatives using mini bands to full-body extensions instead of burpees.
Hoult, who says it seems to become more challenging each year.
"When you're doing it, just take a few breaks to remember that every rep is for somebody that's never going to get to work out again or see their family."
Dommett says the physical strain is intentional.
“The workout is hard—it’s supposed to be hard,” he said. “That’s the point. Whether it’s your first rep or your 412th, you give the same effort, because you’re doing it for someone else.”
Adam celebrated a few hours of his sixth birthday at the workout and has been coming with his mom, firefighter Sarah Flimmon, since he was two.
He has done a few reps here and there, but this year he has adopted an expanded role.
"I'm going to cheer people on this year," he said.
He did a great job, too. People were quick to smile and give him the odd high five as he passed by, despite the strain of completing all 412 reps.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed on Sept. 11, 2001, when hijacked commercial planes struck the Twin Towers in New York City.
