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Fitting In Time For Physical Fitness

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2007

At the call to rotate activities, 10-year-old Kayla Poff walked to the push-up bars with confidence.

'I am so good at these,' she said, grabbing the lowest bar - the more challenging one - and straightening her legs as she eased toward the ground.

Around her, fifth-graders scooted up a rope, vaulted over a bar and crunched and stretched on workout benches. They followed instructions on signs that told them how to perform the exercises and what muscles the moves benefit. After a few minutes, their teacher signaled for them to head to the next station.
Bryant Elementary School in northwest Hillsborough County introduced 10 fitness stations this school year, a creative way to tackle the state's demand for more physical activity during the school day and deal with a problem of shrinking space.

A new state law mandates elementary schoolchildren have 150 minutes a week of physical education. The activities don't have to take place entirely in a physical education class - schools are trying anything from half-hour games outside to jumping jacks within the classroom.

Bryant Principal Karen Bass had set aside that time before the law went into effect, designing teachers' schedules so they could take their children to field games or outside playtime three days a week in addition to the twice-weekly physical education classes. She was looking for other opportunities but needed activities that fit in a small area.

Steve Vanoer, the school district's physical education and health supervisor, suggested exercise equipment.

They selected stations that would work for the youngest and oldest children, fit on the small slice of land and provide exercises that targeted different muscles. The equipment was installed during the summer.

Courtney Cairns Pastor

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