Wednesday, January 20, 1999
School gym classes using fitness clubs
BY RAY SCHAEFER
Enquirer Contributor
Physical education classes are leaving Tristate school gymnasiums for fitness clubs.
For several years, large public schools such as Princeton and small private schools such as Cincinnati Country Day have been using clubs to get students a variety of physical activity while teaching them about health and nutrition.
Deb Gentile, a health and physical education teacher at Wyoming High School, regularly takes students to Midtown Health & Fitness in Pleasant Ridge for racquet ball and aerobics. She also takes them, as she has for 10 years, to golf courses and bowling alleys, and to Xavier University's rifle range.
“We talk about heart rate, percentage of body fat and how to figure out an exercise plan for yourself ...,” Ms. Gentile said.
“I think it might be a trend. Most of your schools are looking at lifetime sports.”
The schools either spring for the cost of the classes, or students pay a small fee.
“Up until recently, these groups came after school,” said Shelley Ogden, court sports director at Midtown. “The schools are allowing more time to do off-site activities.”
Theresa Hirschauer, athletic director at Cincinnati Country Day Middle School, said this is the first year for off-site physical education classes at her school. Last month, eighth-graders had classes for two weeks at Midtown. Tuesday was the second day of another two-week unit that will include racquetball and “spinning,” which combines pedaling a stationary bicycle with aerobics.
“We're trying to give the kids a taste of something besides the gym,” Ms. Hirschauer said.
Alex Hassett, a Cincinnati Country Day eighth-grader from Indian Hill, rode one of the spinner bikes Tuesday. He said he'd be parked in front of video games if not for the classes.
“It's enjoyable; it's fun,” said Alex, 13. “You can work out, and you don't have to be competitive.”
Beryl Donenfeld is a personal trainer who directs Midtown's spinning program. She said even athletes benefit from activities such as hers.
“Runners love spinning,” Ms. Donenfeld said. “It builds up strength, speed (and) endurance.”
Paula Bradford, a 14-year-old Cincinnati Country Day eighth-grader from Loveland, took a turn on the spinner bikes. She rides horses as well, and she said the bike's seat reminded her of a saddle.
“I guess it helps your balance,” she said. “But I've got good balance.”
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