Mars Area Centennial School students had their first look at the school’s new Fitness Rooms during the last week.

The school converted two classrooms into Fitness Rooms more than two years ago; however, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements, this is the first opportunity that fifth- and sixth-graders have had access to the rooms, says Sara Coon, health & physical education.

Each Fitness Room serves its own function — one is focused on cardio exercise with fitness bicycles, recumbent bicycles, rowing machines and jump ropes; and, the other on muscle training and flexibility with Battle Ropes, Box Jumps, Slamballs, TRX Suspension Training Bands, Yoga Matts and more. Each classroom also has a TV so that students can follow along with Yoga and other exercise videos.

The kid-friendly equipment was purchased with funding from a federal Title IV grant that was awarded to the school in 2019, says Adam Kostewicz, principal, noting that the funding covered everything from the padding on the floor to the exercise/fitness posters on the wall. Mars Planet Foundation also provided funding for three fitness bicycles.

In their physical education classes, students are learning about cardio respiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility, says Coon. The Fitness Rooms will not only be used as part of the curriculum, but as another option for students, when the gymnasium is not available.

For more information, call (724) 625-2601.