Altarum Institute is a proud sponsor of the 2009 Altarum Institute Professional Women’s Cycling Team. Part of the Institute’s wider initiative to encourage wellness and healthy living, the Altarum women’s cycling team teaches “Cycling Fitness 101,” an educational program for elementary students that promotes the virtues of exercise, proper nutrition, and cycling safety. Now in its second year, this innovative program is not only fun, but helps teach students the importance of physical fitness and proper dietary and health choices.

The Cycling Fitness 101 program has the following objectives:

• Teach students about the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
• Show students exercises that will help with the strength and flexibility of muscles needed for cycling
• Provide students with an overview on bike racing, strategy, and the components of preparing to race at the national level
  Demonstrate to students how to practice proper bike safety

Cycling Fitness 101 was first piloted in Michigan (2008) and is now being expanded to a number of elementary schools in the Washington, DC area in 2009.