My girls want to "pump it up," literally. I teach a Women’s Health and Fitness class for at risk girls at an alternative high school - eleventh and twelfth graders only. My students want and would benefit greatly from the use of free weights. The girls love this class; it is a safe and positive environment to explore women’s health issues - many of which my students sadly face. It is a highly effective 3 hour (girls only) class in which health lessons and activities are followed by physical exercise. The girls end the class feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically motivated because of all they have accomplished.

I want my girls to benefit mentally, emotionally, and physically from our class. That is one of the many reasons why we exercise in class. While our school is supportive of our class goals and efforts, it just doesn’t have the right resources. There is not even a gym or female friendly equipment for us to use. To improve physical fitness and body composition the body has to engage in cross training; it can’t do the same routine all the time and gain improvements. Free weights are highly versatile and would definitely add variety, challenge, and fun to the class. It is known that physical health and well being affect mental, emotional, and social health. I want to promote health and wellness in my class and give my students the opportunity to practice it so they can experience the benefits. My students are all at risk and come from such diverse backgrounds. If my students can get and stay healthy or even improve their current health, they will be much more likely to stay in school and have positive experiences - which lead to graduating. It is also a hope and a goal that my students will practice making healthy decisions as well as exercise well beyond graduation.

My Woman’s Health and Fitness class takes place in my classroom on Fridays. I have mirrors along one wall so my girls can see the leader as well as themselves to critique their form. The girls look forward to pushing all the chairs and tables to the perimeter, creating the space in which they will exercise. The only exercise equipment we have for this class at this point are yoga mats which I purchased with my own money. Free weights would contribute to the class immensely! Students will have a blast and be challenged using the free weights! They want challenges; they want to prove themselves. My girls will have fun working out. They will also have the opportunity to get creative as well as take a leadership role by producing their own strength training routines and then leading them. What a great accomplishment! Students will also be challenged when incorporating cardiovascular, strength, toning, and flexibility components in class. Ideally, we’ll be able to do all different types of exercises, when we use the free weights in conjunction resistance bands, exercise mats, resistance balls and step benches which are my other funding priorities.

My students need free weights. When at risk students are mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy they attend school and produce awesome results! They feel great and their self esteem gets a boost; something my female students desperately need. This affects students individually, the school, as well as the community. It is so much to ask, but well worth it.