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MT. STERLING, Ky. (February 7, 2008)--- Mt.
Sterling Elementary School physical education teacher Katrina
Goodrich can’t say enough about the value of teaching
basic fitness and dance concepts to elementary school students
to improve physical coordination, self-esteem and wellness.
Ms. Goodrich is one of a growing number of teachers nationwide
who are making use of a revolutionary new tool designed to reduce
obesity while stimulating learning ability – GeoFitness
exercise equipment manufactured by GeoFitness, Inc., in Orlando.
And it’s not just for elementary school students---Ms.
Goodrich uses GeoFitness equipment to teach an after-school
program in low-impact aerobics for school staff and parents,
and she’s organizing a summer camp program to improve
the health and fitness of youngsters when school is out.
“GeoFitness is the best program that I have found to teach dance movements
and concepts,” Ms. Goodrich said.
Developed by Dr. Debby Mitchell, associate professor at the
University of Central Florida in Orlando, GeoFitness technology
combines fitness training with learning concepts that are particularly
effective with elementary students.
“Younger children are active by nature, and they learn by doing,” said
Dr. Mitchell. “Their natural inclination is to rebel against rigid,
sedentary exercises---sitting still---and their enthusiasm for active, energetic
learning experiences is profound,” she said.
“We get children up jumping, hopping, marching and balancing on colorful
mats that incorporate numbers, shapes, colors, letters and directions,” Dr.
Mitchell explained. “We add the influence of music, a universal stimulus,
and when children are moving the motivation for learning is powerful,” she
added.
Ms. Goodrich was able to purchase GeoFitness equipment two years
ago through a 21st Century Community Learning Grant.
“The program is very natural and non-threatening to participants.
I would recommend this program to anyone who teaches dance concepts or fitness
to individuals from child to adult,” Ms. Goodrich said.
GeoFitness is a client of the UCF Technology Incubator.
* * *
For more information, contact:
Dr. Debby Mitchell, President GeoFitness, Inc. 407.275.0510 d.mitchell@geofitness.com
Tom O’Neal or Carol Ann Dykes, UCF Technology Incubator,
407-882-0202
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142
About the UCF Technology Incubator
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Technology Incubator has helped
more than 90 emerging technology companies create over $200
million in annual revenue and more than 800 new jobs with an
average salary of $59,000. The UCF Technology Incubator was
named 2004 Incubator of the Year by the National Business Incubation
Association. Headquartered in the Central Florida Research Park
near the University, the Incubator is acollaboration in economic
development between UCF, Orange County, the City of Orlando,
and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information,
visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu. |
