PE Teachers Battle Obesity with In-School Gym
New way for kids to get moving, get healthy
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All the equipment was purchased with grants from the Texas Fit Now fund.
Some Grand Prairie teachers are taking on the fight against childhood obesity.
On their own initiative, Mary Mendez and Rod Burns of Arnold Middle School developed a unique program that not only encourages kids to work out, but gives them a place to do it.
The fitness gym at the school is furnished with a 24-foot rock wall, refurbished gym equipment and exercise video games the kids love. All the equipment was purchased with grants from the Texas Fit Now fund.
"When they come in here, it's not like a PE class. They come in here and work out, and they're able to interact with each other; truly work out for their own benefit," said Mary Mendez, physical education teacher, Arnold Middle School.
Mary said it's particularly important to get her students to exercise, because about half of them come from families with a history of diabetes.
Posted Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010 - 10:23 AM CST
