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In the fall of 2003, a fitness class was introduced at Springfield High School in Akron, Ohio to reach out to girls who were in need of improving their fitness and health status. The target population included girls who were not athletic, overweight or successful in physical education class, but was open to all girls. Mrs. Betty Kern created the class and curriculum out of a desire to help the girls at Springfield High School realize the connection between their diet, activity level, and their physical fitness or lack of physical fitness and health problems. The curriculum included various fitness activities as well as a classroom component. The classroom portion of the program played an important role in changing the attitudes and habits of the girls. In addition, the girls were required to keep a Nutrition & Activity Journal that was created for this class, which logged the nutrition and exercise habits of each student. The class has been an overwhelming success with enrollment for the class at maximum capacity each semester! The impact on the school has been seen as many girls who were not fit began to lose weight , come more active, and walk with more self-esteem! Individual results varied from girls losing up to 30 pounds, gaining muscle tone, increasing flexibility, enjoying exercise , adopting healthier eating habits, and changing attitudes towards exercise and good nutrition! Fitness evaluations and a survey of students helped to determine the success of the program. The implementation of this program would not have been possible without administrative support. Mrs. Cynthia Frola, the high school principal, played an instrumental roel in the planning and introduction of the program at Springfield High School. The program is continuing at Springfield despite budget restrictions. We plan to continue the program and improve it by adding additional classes and fun fitness activities for the students.
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