Middle School students experiencing numerous health benefits from the PEP Grant

Stationary bikes, ellipticals, human-powered treadmills, TRX suspension training, balance and flexibility equipment, and a wide assortment of strength and functional exercising options - sounds like a fitness center, right?  Actually it’s fitness equipment that students at Sabish, Theisen, and Woodworth Middle Schools now have access to right in their schools, thanks to the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant that was awarded to the Fond du Lac School District in 2016.  

In addition to utilizing the fitness equipment during their PE classes, students have access before, during, and after school through various opportunities such as intramurals, brain break opportunities, and a more structured strength and conditioning program. Steven Knuth, strength and conditioning coach and owner of TNT, met with middle school staff to instruct them in the proper functional fitness techniques in order to ensure safe and appropriate use of the new equipment. 

A primary source of the monies for the equipment purchase was funding from the PEP grant. Additionally, the Cardinal Alumni Association contributed over $23,000.00 toward the strengthening equipment.

Another component being explored by the middle school students goes beyond the physical benefits of physical fitness.  Dr. Heather Schmidt, Agnesian/SSM Health, has presented to mostly all middle school students strong evidence regarding the overwhelming connection between exercise and the brain and how it improves attention, learning, and mood. Dr. Schmidt will complete the presentations to the final groups on May 17.  


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