Focused on fitness

SANDUSKY — There's more to fitness than just lifting weights. Sandusky Central Catholic School students in preschool through fifth grades stretched, danced and played fun games — all of which kept them moving. Physical education teacher Abby Gerber and elementary principal Lisa MacMurray worked together to coordinate activities to recognize National Family PE Week that took place last week, Oct. 5-9. The initiative allows schools and physical education teachers to invite families into classrooms and gyms. "It is a way to get families to learn the importance of exercise and about the various programs that are available in our community," Gerber said. Throughout the week, students interacted with organizations that promoted health and fitness. That included NexXt Level FiT Academy, the Moving Co., Tim Dorsey Fitness and the Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing. "We are lucky to have several families that own or are part of local fitness organizations, so we wanted to tie that in with what we are doing at our school," Gerber said. On Monday, Nexxt Level was represented by Eric Jordan and Angela Warren. They got the kids moving with stretches and a workout. They also spoke about the importance of staying healthy and being active. Jordan, who is also a Sandusky County sheriff's deputy, brought his K-9 partner, Lola. He also talked to the students about who to call in case of an emergency. The Moving Co.'s Wendy Miller and Alexis Hartung-Gerace helped students bring out their dance skills on Tuesday. Miller and Hartung-Gerace taught a short routine and students even faced off with each other. Tim Dorsey set up several stations for students on Wednesday. They jumped, squatted and raced around the gym. Dorsey encouraged students to exercise and keep at it because they'll feel better later in life. "The best part was that they didn't even realize they were working out with all the fun they were having," Gerber said. Dorsey enjoyed being involved with the week's activities. "My wife is a substitute here, I have three kids that come here, and I know so many people who come here from not only my kids, but from coaching in the community," he said. "It's been really fun. It feels like I'm hanging out with my friends all day long. That's been the best part for me." He wanted to instill the idea that you don't have to go to a gym to achieve fitness. "You can keep moving by doing things that are fun like Frisbee, football, rollerblading or biking," Dorsey said. "That's been our message all day long." Thursday included a visit from the Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing. About 30 nursing students presented to the kids about first aid, sun safety, general hygiene, bike safety and more. "The students really seemed to have enjoyed this week. Everyone left the gym with smiles on their faces," Gerber said. The week's festivities culminated Thursday evening when SCCS hosted a family fitness and health event. A variety of community organizations were set up throughout the school for a fun activity. Information for community resources was also provided. This was the school's first year organizing an event like this, and it was a success. "It was a great way to wrap up our National Family PE Week," Gerber said.