SMS students run race against obesity
By Ethan Shorey/ Correspondent
Friday, May 19, 2006
Sometimes eating healthy foods doesn't equal a healthy lifestyle. That's why Kathy Stern, a fitness instructor with the Striar Jewish Community Center, wanted to reach out to the community and teach students the power of exercise in healthy living.
"Teens on the Fly," a six week running program, is being run as a partnership with the Sharon Community Education Department.
"This is the first time I can recall that we've gone out to the community," Stern said. "We really want to see parents and their children active together. It's not enough for the parents and the schools to just replace junk food and think that's enough."
Stern said a law implemented earlier this year that requires schools to replace unhealthy snacks in vending machines with healthier alternatives.
Students have volunteered to take a six week course with Stern at the Sharon Middle School, to not only create healthy habits but to prepare to run in the Striar JCC Road Race in Stoughton.
Ethan Pais, an eighth grader at Sharon Middle School, will be running in the race on Sunday, May 21 at 9 a.m.
"This is a great way to get together with your friends and get in shape at the same time," he said.
Sophie Hearne, also a Sharon eight grader, says that the main reason it's been so much fun so far is because of Stern.
"I've taken other classes with her too and she's so motivational," she said. "She's not annoying like a cheerleader, just very positive and she gives very constructive criticism."
Hearne won't be running in Sunday's race, but she appreciates the running experience for when she starts high school sports next year.
Stern credits her love for coaching to the students like Hearne who approach exercise with such enthusiasm and fun. Stern's wish is that this enthusiasm would be passed on to parents to both encourage and join their children in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
"We only have two moms running with the students. The Striar JCC is a family-oriented community center and we would love it if parents started getting more involved," she said. "I tell children to have their moms and dads measure out a mile for them and then run it with them too."
Those who are in the training program are taught the importance of eating only certain foods before running, how to effectively stretch, and how to maintain a consistent running program after getting started.
Stern says there are some things to keep in mind that many people would never think of.
"I had four girls cramping up and they said they hadn't had any sugar or dairy before running," she said. "When I started asking more questions they said that they had had juice boxes. It's amazing to see them learning more and more each week and being able to run further."
Family memberships at the Striar Jewish Community Center are competitive with other community centers and YMCAs, and they offer a variety of fitness programs for all ages. To find out more, sign up for a membership, or sign up for the road race on May 21.
Visit
www.striarjcc.org or call 781-341-2016. The Striar JCC offers several fitness programs in private schools, and public schools in Stoughton and Canton are considering adding the same programs.
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