Program teaches fitness fundamentals to home-schooled children

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody's Freedom I Fitness Center offers a free program that teaches home-schooled military children the fundamentals of physical fitness.

The Home School Fitness Program, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m., focuses on physical training such as cardio and strength training. It is concurrent with the public school system schedule and includes a summer school schedule as well.

"The students are required to obtain a certain amount of physical fitness hours, depending on the accredited home school program," said Ashley Aguirre, 23rd Force Support Squadron recreation assistant. "We simply provide them a free program through our facility. The students may choose to obtain these hours elsewhere, but they may have to pay various fees in order to do so."

To accommodate all the students, the program is separated into two age groups: six to 12 years old and 13 to 18 years old.

"The program helps the students learn how to socialize because they are able to interact with other kids," said Mrs. Aguirre. "It's also a good way for them to learn how to work as a team."

In addition to physical training, students learn about nutrition and what muscles they are using during a workout. They also become familiarized with various fitness equipment.

"Even though they are not graded, we quiz them occasionally because we think it's good for them," said Mrs. Aguirre. "We also encourage them to do things outside of the curriculum."

The program, which has been running for three years, is only taught by certified staff members. Each instructor is a certified personal trainer and has completed the Department of Defense Child Abuse Training Program and a fitness fundamentals class.

Jennifer Scott, wife of Tech. Sgt. Michael Scott, 23rd Maintenance Group, has all three of her children enrolled in the fitness program. They have been participating in the program for three years.

"The program and the instructors are wonderful," she said. "They constantly challenge the students based on their fitness level.

"The students are given the opportunity to learn new things," she added. "My kids can also participate in activities that they can't do at home, such as kickball."

There are currently 24 children enrolled in the program. For parents interested in enrolling their child in the program, they must submit an emergency contact information sheet and each child must complete a health and sports physical. For more information, call 257-1621.

"I'm so grateful the base offers this program," said Barrie Barnett, wife of Tech. Sgt. Joel Barnett, 23rd Wing Safety office. "I finally have free time to work out on my own or with the other moms. My son, Dalton, can also meet other home-schooled kids."