Dexter Teachers Model Fitness for Students with Afternoon Exercise Class

Some of the faculty and staff at Dexter Community Schools are working up quite a sweat.

It has nothing to do with grading papers or teaching, however. The group of about 50, who come from all age and fitness levels, have been gathering twice a week since 2011 outside of school hours to get physically healthy. Together.

It all started with Mill Creek Middle School Assistant Principal Brett Pedersen, who is also a health and wellness professional. He has, according to his website, a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and Master of Science degree in health education. So, he was used to getting questions about how to maximize workouts and lose weight from the adults in the building. Some of his colleagues even offered to pay him for personal training.

Then it occurred to him: he could hold a free exercise class for those interested.

"The primary benefit of our workout program is to promote health and fitness within ourselves, the staff, the school, and the district at large," Mill Creek teacher Christopher Hoelscher said. "Whether each individual participant is there to lose weight, get stronger, relieve stress, or to just get active, we work together as a supportive community, helping each other reach individual goals in a positive, low stress environment."

Pedersen said the program began at Mill Creek, but as word of mouth spread, more teachers came on board.

"We're bursting at the seams with participation," he said. "It's fantastic to work with teachers who want to stay fit and healthy."

Pedersen now offers classes three times a week at Mill Creek and Dexter High School, and one day a week at Bates Elementary School. Classes are taught by teachers Mollie Sharrar, Leslie Tracy, and Julie Darling, as well.

Pedersen uses a method of what is called high intensity interval training in which a person pushes through 30 intense seconds of exercise followed by 30 seconds of rest. Over half an hour, from running up and down bleachers to pulling ropes on the cafeteria ramp, the effects produce visible results.

"The workouts have given me improved overall health and fitness along with a positive outlet for stress," teacher Nicole Little said. "Beyond the health and fitness aspect I feel it has created another sense of community and family within Dexter Community Schools.

"Employees from all over the district can attend the workout sessions giving us time to interact with employees we may not typically work with and encourage each other. During this time we all pull together to encourage each other and celebrate our successes."

Pedersen said the workouts are currently offered for free, however he is working through the Dexter Wellness Coalition to pursue grant money to expand the program in the district and offer nutrition programs.

"I love would to offer classes three times a week in every building, but that would probably require hiring some outside help," he said. "Right now we'll continue to offer what we can on a volunteer basis."

Little said she would like to see the fitness program incorporate students in the district, as well.

"I am excited about some of the things Brett is working on for us in the future. There is talk of adding nutrition sessions along with additional fitness challenges," she said. "It would also be great to start including the students in some of these healthy choices and lifestyle changes.

"Many students are already participating in sports, and fitness programs, but it would be great to be able to educate students about healthy food choices. For the students who aren't currently involved in any type of physical activity it would be wonderful to show the benefits of 30 minutes of this type of workout."

For more information about the workouts, contact Pedersen at pederseb@dexterschools.org.