Take A Walk, or Better Yet, Take A Hike with... written by Cindy Gober - M.A. Physical Educator and Consultant to Sportime Nationally Certified Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer
Table of Contents Introduction............................................................ 2 Nordic Walking Walking With A Purpose.................................. 3 1. History 2. Benefits Specifications of NordicWalkerz............................................. 4 Wrist Strap Assembly Instructions........................................... 5 NordicWalkerz Quick-Height Adjustment Guide................................. 6 Getting Started.......................................................... 7 The Next Step Introduce The Poles!......................................... 8 Warm-up / Cool-Down Stretches............................................ 9 1. Shoulder Carry 6. Shoulder Stretch 2. Quad Stretch 7. Lateral/Back Stretch 3. Hamstring Stretch 8. Triceps/Arm Stretch 4. Gastrocnemius (Calf) Stretch 9. Torso/Lateral Twist 5. Chest/Upper Shoulder Stretch 10. Foot Circles Total Fitness Walking.................................................... 18 1. One-To-One Pole Ratio 2. Two-To-One Ratio or Stroll 3. Double Pole Plant or Unison 4. Punch 5. The X Factor for More Oxygen Activities for School Track or Campus Walking................................. 23 1. Cross-Campus Walking 2. All Terrain Walking 3. Team Walking Activity 4. Memory Lane Walk 5. Pedometers About Cindy Gober............................................ Inside Back Cover 1
Introduction Strange as it may seem, people used to walk everywhere. The early settlers of this country walked to the west coast.one step at a time. Now with the price of gasoline, we may all have to revert to that means of getting around. In 1909, Edward Payson Weston walked from San Francisco to New York City in 104 days, averaging nearly 40 miles a day. Mr. Weston was only 71 years of age at the time. On Sept. 7, 1984, Rob Sweetgall walked away from a job as a chemical engineer to walk across America 50 states in 50 weeks. Having lost parents, uncles, aunts, and other family members, he began a mission with the message walking for the health of it. He has delivered that message to millions of people, including 120,000 school children during the initial walk. Why not walk? You don t have to buy a membership. You don t have to dress out, and you don t have to compete. However, sturdy shoes really help, the kind with thick soles and good arch support. Walking tones the core muscles of the body, as well as the legs. The back and abdominal muscles work in unison to maintain that upright postural control to enhance the efficiency of every step. NordicWalkerz add more strength to the upper body by allowing different pumping techniques with the arms, and a particular sense of rhythm with the steps that are taken to develop a coordinated timing of the arms and legs. Walking strengthens the heart and combats osteoporosis by strengthening the bones. With less impact on the joints than running which places 2 to 4 times one s weight on the joints--- walking places only one time a person s weight on the joints. The pleasurable aspects of walking control weight and reduce stress. Studies show that 40% more calories are burned during a walk when using walking poles. Oxygen consumption increases by 25%. All of this effort results in a body that is developing not only strength and endurance, but a well-nourished brain, as well. Studies show that as little as three days per week of brisk walking for 30 minutes increases mental alertness. Listed below are several benefits of a regular walking program contrasted with the benefits of a regular walking program that features walking poles---the NordicWalkerz: Benefits of NordicWalkerz Basic Walking A lifetime exercise Improves posture Strengthens legs and core Stress relief Lowers blood pressure Strengthens heart/lungs Assists in weight control Strengthens the immune system NordicWalkerz Same as walking PLUS: Enhances coordination & power Builds upper-body strength and creates resistance to help increase bone density Eliminates boredom Aids in concentration Uses about 90% of all muscles With the popularity of cross country skiing in the wintertime, Scandinavian skiers continued to train in the summertime by fitness walking with their ski poles. Fitness walkers across Europe adopted this Nordic walking as a fun, efficient, low-stress, total-body workout. Today, millions of people in Finland enjoy Nordic walking on a regular basis, and its popularity is growing as evidenced by the rapid increase in walking clubs across the United States. For more information, log on to the web site for the American Nordic Walking Association (www.anwa.us). 2
Nordic Walking - Walking with A Purpose History Nordic Walking is a term used to define a broader concept called Nordic Fitness Sports. Originated by a Finnish sporting goods manufacturer, the term Nordic Fitness Sports covers several sports such as Nordic Blading, Nordic Fitness Skiing, Nordic Hill Walking, Nordic Snowshoeing, and Nordic Walking. In this particular instance, Nordic Walking uses specifically designed poles to engage the upper body during fitness walking. Nordic Walking was first used as a summer training method by cross-country skiers. It later became a fitness exercise with specific training equipment developed by researchers in sports medicine and other fitness professionals. Nordic Walking began in Finland in 1997 and has rapidly increased in popularity and is well known today in fitness sports for its variety of benefits. Benefits Nordic Walking is a great fitness workout for anyone, at any age, who is looking for a fun physical activity, maximum health benefits, and convenience. The low-stress, total-body workout can be performed in as little as thirty minutes a day, three days a week. One will find more relaxed muscles, better conditioning and better health. Sportime's NordicWalkerz are color-coded, adjustable, and have a durable contoured tip to enhance the pushoff motion during activity. For adjustment instructions see NordicWalkerz Quick-Height Adjustment Guide on page 6. The medical field will readily agree that Nordic Walking is one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts because it recruits all major muscle groups in the body---90%, to be precise. Recent studies by the Cooper Institute have shown that Nordic Walking burns more calories, increases oxygen consumption, and can be up to 30% more efficient than just normal walking. Other related health factors include the following: Heart rate is 5-17 beats per minute higher Energy consumption increases when using poles by an average of 20% compared to walking without poles Up to 46% increase in energy consumption Releases pain and muscle tension in the neck/shoulder region when used correctly The lateral mobility of the neck and spine increases significantly The muscles most actively involved are the muscles in the forearm, part of the shoulder muscles, triceps and biceps, the large chest muscles and broad back muscles. Does not aggravate joints and knees Reduces the load on knees and other joints Consumes approximately 400 calories per hour (compared with 280 calories per normal walking 2.5-3mph) Poles promote safety on slippery surfaces Nordic Walking should have a steady pace and the heart rate should rise gradually. By practicing for relatively long periods, such as 30 to 120 minutes at a time, the benefits will have a marked increase. 3
Wrist Strap Assembly Instructions Pow-R-Flex Tip Alignment Holes & Alignment Box 15º Inclined Ergonomic Grip with Wrist Straps Turbo Spring 4
Specifications of NordicWalkerz Components Step 3. Pull on the bottom webbing band till the wedge is secure against the slot in the Grip. Push on the wedge with your thumb to make sure. Step1. Fold over Strap as shown. Insert strap into slot on grip as shown. Make sure bumps on the plastic wedge point towards the top of the grip. Step 2. Insert Pin through side hole, making sure both webbing bands pass behind the pin. 5
NordicWalkerz Quick-Height Adjustment Guide In calculating the correct pole length for exercising, the simple formula of using one s own height multiplied by 0.68 is recommended. Sportime's NordicWalkerz are easily adjusted by pressing the button on the shaft and raising or lower the hole until the button clicks to match either the large holes or small holes on the bottom shaft. User Height Range 78 81 198cm 202cm 75 76.5 190.5cm 194cm 72 73.5 183cm 187cm NordicWalker Pole Length 53.5 136cm 51.5 131cm 49.5 126cm NordicWalker Pole Length 54.5 138.5cm 52.5 133.5cm 50.5 128.5cm 48.5 123.5cm User Height Range 79.5 81 205.5cm 202cm 76.5 78 194cm 198m 73.5 75 187cm 190.5cm 70.5 72 179.5cm 183cm 69 72 175.5cm 179.5cm 66 67.5 168cm 172cm 63 64.5 160.5cm 164.5cm 60.5 62 153cm 157cm 57.5 59 145.5cm 150cm 56 142cm 47.5 121cm 45.5 116cm 43.5 111cm 41.5 106cm 39.5 101cm 37.5 96cm 46.5 118.5cm 44.5 113.5cm 42.5 108.5cm 40.5 103.4cm 38.5 98.5cm 67.5 69 172cm 175.5cm 64.5 66 164.5cm 168cm 62 63 157cm 160.5cm 59 60.5 150cm 153cm 56 57.5 142cm 145.5cm 6
Getting Started Getting started is easy since most schools have a track or play field in which they can start a walking program. On the first day, encourage your class to walk for 12 minutes -- without stopping -- around a measured walking course. Why 12 minutes? Walking a mile (4 laps around a track) in 12 minutes is a good measure of cardiovascular fitness. This is a self-test for the students to evaluate their fitness levels on the very first day. To accomplish a 12-minute mile/walk, you must be able to walk a 440 yd./quarter mile track in 3 minute laps. Everyone has a pace that is comfortable for them. Encourage your students to experiment to find that pace. If you walk so fast that you are breathless, slow down a bit. If you stroll too slowly, you won t know what your optimum stride is. This first 12 minutes should set the tone for your walking fitness class. Emphasize to your class to walk with their shoulders back, chest lifted, and their arms forward when their legs are back. Developing a comfortable stride is important, as well as making sure the movement is efficiently correct. Land on the heel with the toes up and the front leg straight. The front foot should strike the ground with the heel first and roll forward toward the big toe. Bend the knee as you push off with the toe of the other foot. Use long strides and keep torso, shoulders, and neck relaxed with head in line with neck. Bend the elbows at a 90 degree angle and move the arms from the shoulders, avoiding any cross-over action. As the arm swings forward, the hand should come up toward the shoulder. As the arm moves back, the hand should be slightly behind the hip. One foot should be in contact with the ground at all times for a walk. Basic Nordic Walking Techniques Keep the poles close to the body. The stride begins as the heel touches the ground and ends as the toes, together with the ball of the foot, push off the ground. The general posture is taut with a slight forward lean. Upper and lower torso use a counter-swinging motion that activates the mid-torso muscle groups. Opposite arms and legs swing alternately forward and back. A good walking technique is essential. The NordicWalkerz will enhance the technique with the sequence of pole plants that propel the body forward and assist momentum with upper body movement. As soon as one grips the poles, the upper body is engaged and the workload has been taken to a new level. The hands should constantly be in a grip and go state. They grip the pole every time it hits, then relax the grip slightly as the arm is drawn backward toward full extension. (If poles have straps, the hand can be completely open as the arm is extended backward. This technique is more advanced and more effort is required to keep the poles close to the body and establish rhythm.) As the arms continue to move, the torso and hips should be involved in the counter-swinging motion from the body. This coordinated movement effectively works all the muscle groups. NordicWalkerz provide that extra catalyst needed to keep students motivated and concentrated on walking with a purpose. Before teaching your students to walk with the poles, try a few of these activities: Power Walk & Jog Divide class into 3 groups. Using music with a strong, steady beat, have students run the length of the playing area and power walk the widths. Start each group one at a time. When a group gets to the first corner, the next group begins. Entire group continues moving for a maximum of 4 minutes to finish the warm-up. Movin On Up All students jog at a moderate pace, one behind the other. Leader jogs to specified reference points in the playing area. On a given signal, the last student in line runs to the front of the line. Chant, two, four, six, eight, all of you are lookin great so move on up! Once the student gets to the front of the line, the new leader at the end of the line walks/runs to the front. Repeat until everyone moves on up. You may use a number of different lines at one time. Snowball Express Students walk/jog around the gym. On signal, they form pairs and walk/jog together. Now have them walk or jog in rhythm, with their left and right feet moving in time together. When they have all mastered this, ask them to form groups of four, then eight, then sixteen. 7
Getting Started (continued) The Straw Walk Students assemble at the designated starting line. On go everyone starts walking briskly either by themselves or with a buddy around the track or measured area for a 12 minute mile. Each person may also be wearing a pedometer. The goal is to collect a straw each time a student passes the recorder. The recorder will also call out the time that has passed as the student collects the straw. Each student should finish the walk with at least four straws and 5000 steps by the time the 12-minute whistle is blown. Faster students may have more straws/steps, having covered more than just a mile. This provides a challenge to students who want to go the extra mile. Once students develop a good walking routine, adding poles seems quite natural. You ll want to make sure that students practice sound stretching habits as well. Introduce the NordicWalkerz and explain a little of the background of walking poles and their purpose. The Next Step: Introduce The Poles! NordicWalkerz accommodate users between 4'6" and 6'4" tall. Since students come in a wide variety of sizes even at the same grade level, it is important that the poles be adjusted appropriately. 1. To adjust the height of the pole for an individual, hold the pole in one hand with the elbow bent at 90 degrees. Using the push-button, set the height evenly for both poles. That's all there is to setting the correct pole position for NordicWalkerz. 2. Grip the top of the pole with the index finger in the trigger position just above the ridge. Note the top is tilted forward to make it more ergonomic by alleviating stress on the wrist. 3. Observe that the pole has an internal spring shock absorber that makes a slight sound as it is used in walking. Remember the tip, or foot of the pole, has a Pow-R-Flex tip that touches the ground lightly with each pole plant. 4. Note that the poles are NOT walking canes. They promote walking with an upright, balanced posture and are used with the normal coordinated swinging of the arms, as well as a natural gait. 5. The tips of the poles should always face behind you, allowing you to push off more efficiently to increase your upper-body workout. Because they grip the pavement/grass, they provide added support and stability. 8
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches In preparation for walking, it is beneficial to make sure the muscles are warm and stretched properly. You may want to have a warm up walk without using the poles, but carry them behind the back at the base of the shoulders as a reminder to keep the body in good alignment. Stretching at the end of the walk is just as important. Always stretch gradually and within a comfortable zone, being careful not to overextend the stretch. Hold each stretch for approximately 30 seconds, exhaling slowly. As you become comfortable with the movement, increase the degree of the stretch gradually. Here are a few stretches to use as part of your warm-up (others are listed in the Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches section): Forward and Back Squats Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees and toes facing forward. Hold poles shoulder high, horizontally together in front or behind you with one hand at each end. Squat down until knees are about 90 degrees, heels remaining on the ground, then straighten up. Add a push up on the pole, straightening your arms either as you squat or straighten up. Step Squat Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees forward. Hold poles in front of your shoulders as you step forward into a squat lunge, using poles for support. Push back up to standing. Alternate legs. Shoulder Flex Stand with feet at shoulder width apart and knees forward. Hold the pole with straight arms and hands shoulder width apart in front of pelvis. Extend arms overhead and slightly back, hold for 4 counts and then lower. Upper Torso Twist Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees and toes facing forward. Hold pole behind shoulders with relaxed hands on top of it. Twist mid-torso by bringing either end of the pole forward alternately. Keep eyes straight ahead throughout. 1. Shoulder Carry Hold both poles handles in one hand and tips in the other and lower them head to mid-shoulder blades. This movement takes the shoulders back and opens the chest, reinforcing proper alignment. 9
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 2. Quad Stretch Standing up straight, hold the poles for support. Gently bend knee behind you and grasp ankle, pointing knee toward floor as you bring ankle toward hips. Hold for 15 seconds, then switch legs. 10
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 3. Hamstring Stretch Plant both poles shoulder-width apart. Place straight leg in front, heel on ground, toes pointed up. Gently bend other knee while leaning forward with straight back. Hold for 15 seconds. Switch. 11
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 4. Gastrocnemius (Calf) Stretch Plant both poles shoulder-width apart. Place straight leg in back, heel on ground, toes pointed forward. Gently bend front knee while leaning slightly forward. Hold for 15 seconds. Switch legs and repeat stretch. 12
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 5. Chest/Upper Shoulder Stretch Grasp poles behind back, hands a little wider than shoulder width. Lift poles up toward head until you feel stretch. 6. Shoulder Stretch Hold poles above head, wider than shoulder width. Carefully lower poles behind back for a more intense stretch. 13
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 7. Lateral/Back Stretch Fully extend arms and place poles out in front of you. Lean on poles with extended arms as you bend upper body at waist downward, keeping back flat. 14
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 8. Triceps/Arm Stretch Grab the top of the pole handles with one arm. Bring poles over head and down back; grasp other end with other hand. Pull down on lower part of pole until you feel stretch in back of arm. Switch arms and repeat stretch. 15
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 9. Torso/Lateral Twist Grab pole with wide grip overhead. Feet shoulder width apart. Standing up straight, bend toward right side, until left hand is directly overhead. Stand up straight in neutral position and go to other side and up. Gently twist side to side, feeling stretch. 16
Warm-Up/Cool-Down Stretches 10. Foot Circles Plant poles on ground and balance on one foot circling other foot slowly, both directions. Change feet. 17
Nordic Walking In a normal walking pattern, the left arm swings forward as the right leg extends to allow the foot to strike the ground for propulsion, followed by the right arm swing and left foot strike. The NordicWalkerz utilize this natural motion to enhance the walk by getting more effort from the upper body, which seems to develop strength overall. The following descriptions will provide walkers the opportunity to try a variety of styles with the poles to increase/decrease levels of intensity during the walking workout. 1. One-To-One Pole Ratio Once the student is accustomed to walking in a regular stride with the poles, and feels comfortable holding them, it is time to introduce the ratio of the pole plant and foot strikes. The one-to-one ratio is good for walking inclines and/or to put more upper-body fitness into a walk. The hand opposite the foot that's striking the ground leads the pole (tip is angled back) and directs a slight jab into the ground almost even with the arch of the lead foot. The other pole at this point is located slightly behind the rear foot. A firm thrust will send the student up the incline at a brisk pace and the upper body is totally engaged. This method sets a rather brisk pace. The reverse action is good for descending an incline, except the poles absorb the momentum of the decent and help keep the body more upright. 18
Total Fitness Walking 2. Two-to-One Ratio or Stroll This pattern of walking is utilized most often on level terrain. There are two foot strikes for every pole plant in this pattern, hence the two-to-one ratio. The pole is extended foot (tip) first in this pattern and the foot strides past the pole plant as a gentle push with the pole completes the stride. One pole plant for every two strides gives the stroll the 2-1 ratio. This is a slower paced style with the poles, but the walk may remain brisk. 19
Total Fitness Walking 3. Double Pole Plant or Unison In this walking pattern both poles are planted on either the right or left foot strike. This technique is used most often when walking up (or down) a somewhat steep terrain. A unison stroll uses the poles together and a two to one ratio of stride to pole plants. 20
Total Fitness Walking 4. Punch To enhance the use of the upper body during a walk, lift the arms to the front of the chest and punch out like a boxer. Let the poles extend vertically in front of the body and punch out 1, 2, 3, 4 going up and then 5, 6, 7, 8 going down. Repeat 5 sets. 21
Total Fitness Walking 5. The X Factor for More Oxygen To encourage the students to recover better from a brisk walking stride, introduce the X factor. Encourage them to continue walking but to cross their poles with the tips in the air behind their backs making an X shape. This action expands the chest cavity and allows the lungs to fill with air, delivering much needed oxygen to the muscles and brain. The wrists simply flex at the hips allowing the tip of the poles to cross in back at the shoulder blades. This movement also keeps them from accidentally hitting a fellow walker. They should hold this position as they walk 20 to 25 foot strikes, counting only the right (or left) foot strikes. 22
Activities for School Track or Campus Walking Once the walking patterns are established and your students understand a 1-to-1 ratio, the stroll, the punch, unison, and the X factor, they are ready for the practice phase of NordicWalkerz. In this phase the instructor may walk with them and call out the pattern used; stand in the field where you can be heard and call out the pattern; or have signs posted at particular intervals with specific cue words for the walk. For large classes, you may want to use a staggered start. That is students distribute themselves around the walking area rather than beginning as a pack. Regardless, the teacher is actively involved in observing pole plants and foot strikes when each pattern is called. Posture is equally important and the students are encouraged to walk upright with the ears, shoulders, hips, knees and feet in a straight line. Make sure the poles are adjusted to the appropriate height for individual walkers. Once the practice phase has been developed, the teacher can become more creative and set up cue cards to vary the walking practice. 1. Cross-Campus Walking After several sessions on the flat track, and after the walking patterns have been practiced sufficiently, it may be more beneficial, as well as fun, to send the class on a cross-campus walk, by placing cones identifying the routes. A script may be utilized in this plan where the students are told to count as follows: 40 right foot strikes with a stroll (2-1 ratio) followed by 5 sets of punches (8 {4 up, 4 down}=1 set) 25 1-1 ratio routines 20 X factor routines 40 right foot strikes with a unison 40 strolls 5 sets of punches 20 X factor routines This sequence can be repeated as often as needed. It is suggested that students walk in groups of 4-6 with at least one individual in possession of a task card outlining the pattern listed above. These patterns can, of course, be mixed in an almost infinite variety. Students may also be given the option of designing their own sequence for their team/group. Music also proves very motivational, as well as an asset in establishing rhythmic patterns. This practice may encourage students to continue the habit of walking on their own time as part of a healthy lifestyle, and entice other family members or friends to join them. 2. All-Terrain Walking This lesson is devoted to self-direction in walking over a terrain that has slight inclines and declines. Pick out a route on your campus that will require students to walk up and down different grades of hills. This will encourage them to use the Nordic poles and upper body to negotiate the varied terrain as well as level track walking. Remember 1-1 pole to foot ratio allows the upper body to be engaged more vigorously in the walk ascending an incline, as well as stabilization descending an incline. The unison pole plant should also be tried to see the effects of keeping pace and maintaining balance going up and down hills. If your school or community features a walking or hiking course, this activity provides an excellent opportunity for involvement and serves as a means for positive community awareness in the development of a quality physical education program that provides lasting value toward a healthy, active lifestyle. 23
Activities for School Track or Campus Walking 3. Team Walking Activity If you have purchased the color-coded set of NordicWalkerz, this activity is easily implemented. You can group your walkers in sets of 6, each walker having a different color. Later in the unit you may wish to organize the walkers in teams by colors. Red sticks make up a team followed by blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple. Whichever method you wish to use, the class units walk in a straight line, one directly behind the other. The person at the end of the line calls out the walking pattern and the number of right foot strikes. For example, 6 students are walking in a straight line and the last person in line calls out, stroll. Everyone walks with a 2-1 ratio of foot strike to pole plant and 25 counts denotes the length of time this pattern is continued. The reason we use the person at the end of the line is so their voice is projected to the 5 team members in front of them and makes being heard easier. When this pattern is drawing to an end, the first person in line steps to the side and continues to walk, but allows the other 5 in line to pass him/her and falls in line behind the last walker and gives the next walking pattern. The next leader may call out 1-1, 20 times, which requests a one to one ratio of pole plant to foot strikes 20 times. At the conclusion of this pattern, the person in front falls back to the end of the line and gives another walking pattern. This process continues for the time period set by the teacher or the completion of the required distance traveled. 4. Memory Lane Walk This activity works best on an open campus walk where the teacher has placed 6 different-colored cones in a walking circuit. The students are asked to walk the circuit 2-4 times (depending on distance and/or time allotted). At the end of the walk, divide the class into 4 teams. Hand each team a deck of 6 colored cards or 6 cards that have a colored dot on them, and ask them to arrange the cards in the same color order as the traffic cones they just walked past (no peeking at the cones). After each team has arrived at a decision, have them walk the route once more to let everyone check their answers. Subsequent class memorization skills can be sharpened by putting pictures, letters or geometric shapes or words on the cones/cards for an even more challenging activity. 5. Pedometers Pedometers naturally lend themselves to this activity. Students may already be involved in the 10,000 a day step program or walking across America. Getting students to enjoy the health benefits of walking, as well as the aesthetic appreciation of the environment, is a most worthy goal. Pedometers become a visual and tactile motivation and reinforcement for the exerted effort students have made to improve their fitness levels, as well as a catalyst for subject integration. Bob Sweetgall has created a dynamic and unique guide called Smart Stepping that will teach you, as well as your students, the benefits of walking, how to effectively use pedometers, and how to make it all fun, while being active and learning. It can easily be incorporated in health and wellness, math, and geography. Other sources on pedometers and guides are readily available in the Sportime catalog. Conclusion Most important of all is to remember the essence of quality of life and how to enhance it by doing the things you enjoy. Make the activities fun. Be creative, but above all, make walking a part of your regular fitness routine and keep that smile on your face as you begin to look and feel better, with a new confidence in your step. 24
About Cindy Gober Cindy Gober taught health and physical education and coached at Happy Valley Middle School in Elizabethton, TN for 28 years. During that time, the grade levels ranged from 5-9, making the emphasis of developmentally appropriate physical education even more important as the shift to lifetime wellness, personal fitness programs, and initiative games evolved to encompass a more inclusionary effort with team sports. Since being selected as the Tennessee Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2000, she has worked as a consultant for Sportime. She has presented nationally and internationally in conjunction with her activity-oriented program entitled "Brickworks." Brickworks promotes cooperation, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Her other presentations range from fitness to dance, initiative games, and aquatics. She is a former president of the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and also co-chaired the Tennessee Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health. She is a member of the National Faculty for the Sport for All program, as well as a Master Trainer for the SPARK (Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation for Kids) program--both of which promote quality physical activity in after-school and/or supplement physical education and recreation programs. In addition to her educational workshops, she is an adjunct professor at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. She is also a nationally certified fitness instructor and personal trainer.
2005 Sportime, LLC Norcross, GA 30010-2668 USA All rights reserved. Customer Service 1-800-444-5700 or 1-770-449-5700 Or reach us via e-mail at: customer.service@sportime.com 1-YEAR GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION See more, fun activity guides for other great Sportime products at www.sportime.com.