School fitness a growing trend

With concerns constantly in the news about the growing problem of childhood obesity, parents at Red Oak Elementary School in Oak Park are trying to do something to combat the trend.

In December, parent volunteers launched the Friday Fitness Club, a structured exercise program. Held every other Friday during lunch, the program is open to all students in grades one through five.

A five-minute warm-up of stretches, walking and running kicks off the activity. Children rotate among three to four parentmanned stations, jumping rope at one, participating in a hula hoop contest, competing in relay races or walking up and down stairs at other stations. The activities, developed by a personal trainer, change with each club meeting.

"There's not a lot on the playground for kids to do so if we can provide some structured activity, I'm happy," said Kathy Clarke, program coordinator along with Stacey Garfinkel.

The activities begin 15 minutes after the start of lunch to give kids time to eat.

"We want to take the focus away from food and offer kids some physical activity to get them more active," Clarke said.

Organizers plan to reward children who participate to encourage them to continue. Friends Jessica Harris and Sarah Clarke, both 7 years old, said that besides the fun of participating, they have found another benefit from the program.

"There are all different age kids in it and we can make new friends from doing it," Sarah said.

"The other kids there are really nice," said Jessica, whose favorite Fitness Club activity is jumping rope.

The response from parents has been equally positive, said Principal Jon Duim. The program fits in with the Oak Park Unified School District's wellness policy, formed last year.

"This is part of our efforts to improve the health of our kids," Duim said. "We are so lucky to have wonderful parents volunteering here."

Outside fitness professionals such as personal trainers, yoga instructors or coaches, are being sought to serve as guest leaders for a day. Additional parent volunteers are always needed.

For more information call Red Oak at (818) 707-7972.