Initiative Description: Lifestyle-focused, fitness-oriented gym classes: The curriculum was personalized to match the student’s skill levels and encourage student participation. Competitive games were de-emphasized, and lifestyle-focused activities (walking, cycling, and snowshoeing) were encouraged. + Students randomized to the fitness classes also received a small nutrition education component of educational handouts to help participants to develop healthier eating habits. The nutrition portion focuses on the Food Guide Pyramid, recommended servings of food, appropriate portion sizes, healthier food choices, and the benefits of those choices

Study Results: Increase in cardiovascular fitness, greater loss in body fat and improvement in insulin levels

Reference: Carrel, A. L., Clark, R. R., Peterson, S. E., Nemeth, B. A., Sullivan, J., & Allen, D. B. (2005). Improvement of fitness, body composition, and insulin sensitivity in overweight children in a school-based exercise program: A randomized, controlled study. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 159(10), 963–968. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.159.10.963

Level of Evidence: Very Good