New fitness equipment excites students

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - There's a new approach to gym class for students at Tecumseh Junior High School.

"Before, we just used to run a couple laps back and forth, but now I think we get more variety in our workout," said Madison Horn, 7th grader.

"We got this new thing called HOP Sports. I really like it because it gets us loose before we actually get to play," added Quarin Hood, 7th grader.

Physical Education students get moving at the start of each class with the HOP Sports video exercise program. The school also has a new fitness center with $70,000 of exercise equipment.  Roxana Carrera, 7th grader, likes the new computerized biking game.

"It's like you're racing with other people, and you're trying to get to a certain place. It's really cool and I think its a really fun way to exercise," she said.

Physical Education Teacher Andrea Edwards said students of all athletic abilities enjoy using the equipment, both during PE class, and in an after-school fitness club.

"It suits every kid's needs, every student's need. There's a variety.  Everybody's got a smile on their face when they're in here," said Edwards.

"It's been a great energizer for the school. We're seeing the culture and the climate of the PE class change immediately, and the excitement level of the kids is very high," added Brett Gruetzmacher, principal. 

He said the school will look for ways to keep students excited about working out, even after the newness wears off.