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Education Gets Physical Grant Helps School Add Machines, Expands Hours at Fitness Center

Posted on: Thursday, 10 March 2005, 21:00 CST

Like most two-sport athletes, senior Laura Hahn likes to stay in top shape during the lull between seasons.

Until this year, that proved difficult.

But thanks to a $276,000 federal grant, she and her 2,100-plus classmates in West Chicago's Community High School have a chance to work up a sweat after school on new treadmills, cross-trainers and computerized exercise bikes, even with the help of a personal trainer if needed.

"In winter, between cross country and track, this is the only way to work out because it's too cold outside," said Hahn, 17, who lives in unincorporated DuPage County near West Chicago.

The high school recently added fitness center after-school hours from 3:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Before, students could only work out with their entire sports team or if a teacher or coach supervised.

Dina Klancir, a certified personal trainer at the fitness center, said daily attendance started off with about 22 students, but quickly rose to nearly 40 per day.

And it's not all athletes.

"They're mostly just kids looking to get a bit of extra fitness in their life," Klancir said. "It provides them with a chance to do something after school instead of sitting at home watching TV."

By the end of February, personal trainers will be offering assistance in the weight room, which is primarily occupied by boys.

A battery of new weight machines, cross trainers, and 20 upright bikes should arrive before the end of the year, along with an upgraded sound system.

So far, the girls, who primarily use the fitness center, have enjoyed the changes the most.

"Last year, if you weren't on a team or had a coach (present), you couldn't use it," said Hilary Tennant, a 17-year-old senior from Carol Stream who is in gymnastics, track and cross country. "If you wanted to work out, it was a real hassle."

Added Hahn: "It's a lot less crowded and quieter. It's more of a girls room. It's more comfortable."

The fitness center and weight room expansion is just part of the way the school is utilizing funding it received in October. It's part of a $69 million program to fight childhood obesity under the No Child Left Behind Act.

Dan Johnson, department chair of the school's Physical Education Department, said officials are taking a three-pronged approach in the "We-Go For Fitness" program to stoke students' interest.

"We're trying to up the stakes for physical education," Johnson said.

Educators also will be initiating newer programs for physical education classes. For example, instead of forcing pupils to do the dreaded 1-mile run, students will take a 12-minute stress test on a treadmill.

Afterward, a computer printout can tell more about a student's heart rate and overall cardiovascular condition.

Students also will spend more time learning about nutrition and personal fitness as teachers have been revising their curriculums over the last 18 months.

The second aspect is building confidence through something known as adventure education. Last year, the school installed two three- story climbing walls, thanks to a local grant from General Mills.

The grant will pay for 12 kayaks that students can use in the school pool, along with a six-station high-rope set for the field house. The activities give students who don't excel in traditional gym sports a chance to succeed.

Finally, improvements to the school fitness center and weight room won't stop with trainers and new equipment.

Over the summer, school officials will convert one room so it can host spinning classes and another into a Pilates studio.

"After the grant expires (in two years) we are planning to open this up as a health club for the entire community," Johnson said.

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

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