Bacchanal brings back Socacise

Monday marked the first in the series of Bacchanal Jamaica's calendar staple, Socacise, at the new Mas Camp located at Stadium North in St Andrew.

From 6 to 8 p.m., the dedicated, diehard and fit-conscious rolled into the venue to sweat and dance to the soca hits reverberating around the grounds.

Socacise, as the name suggests, blends the worlds of soca and exercise to help persons get fit and introduce the new soca hits for the season.

Second-time Socacise sponsor and this year's headline sponsor, Nabisco Snack Smart, had a wide variety of products boasting to be 200 calories or less, including the popular Club Social biscuits, new product Triscuits, Wheat Thins and Dentyne chewing gum.

Brand manager for Nabisco, Shelly-Ann Thompson, said it was natural to be a part of Socacise for a second time.

"We enjoyed the partnership last year, and it was a success for our brand. Socacise offers us the opportunity to share our products with a wide cross section of persons, and that is what we love about this event. Also, staying fit and watching your weight does not mean you cannot snack, but that you choose the right snacks; and the Nabisco Snack Smart suite offers products which are under 200 calories," said Thompson.

Socacisers were immediately challenged to stick to the six-week Socacise period, as they were promised fun and fulfilling workouts.

The exercise session was guided by top local fitness instructors coordinated by Sandra Mighty-Morgan, with lead instructor Carol Douglas. Mighty-Morgan said Socacise this year will incorporate a bit of the Jamaica 50 theme, in commemoration of the country's Jubilee celebrations.

stamina competitions

There will also be strength, fitness and stamina competitions, and patrons can win prizes from sponsors including Nabisco, Lucozade and Elle &Vire. She also stated that there will be a theme night and a dance-off competition to ensure that Socacise remains interesting and exciting.

Dedicated soca fan and patron to Socacise Jerry-Neal Richards said, "Socacise has been a must for me for the past three years. I use Socacise to kick-start my summer body plus, with all my friends being here, I am motivated to stick to it and see it through for the six weeks. Also, I will be in great shape for the Road Parade, come April. I just love Socacise!"

Socacise takes place every Monday and Wednesday at the new Mas Camp and is free to the public. Ample, secure and free parking is also a part of the offering from Bacchanal Jamaica this year. For more on Bacchanal Jamaica's calendar of events, visit Facebook, follow them on Twitter @BaccahanalJA or visit www.bacchanaljamaica.com.