May 1, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The Altarum Institute Professional Women’s Cycling Team continued its national advocacy for childhood obesity prevention by presenting their innovative “Cycling Fitness 101” course to students of Payne Elementary in Washington, D.C. Over 50 students took part in the program, learning about fitness, nutrition, and the basics of cycling strategy.
The team’s “Cycling Fitness 101” curriculum uses professional women athletes to excite children about biking as a means of getting active and fit. Taught by the team members themselves, the program works students through five stations focused on different topics. The stations provide students with an overview of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle; strength and flexibility; race strategy; fitness training; and bike safety.
“The Altarum team provided our students with a real world example of what fitness and nutrition is all about,” said Kathleene Lynch, aftercare coordinator at Payne Elementary. “They really got the kids excited about biking as a means of staying fit, and I think that will last.”
The women’s cycling team – sponsored by Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Altarum Institute – races at national professional level cycling events. Part of Altarum’s initiative to promote greater emphasis on systems and behaviors that promote health, the cycling team’s advocacy has been wide-ranging, including visits to Congress. The team is scheduled to teach “Cycling Fitness 101” at Maury Elementary in Washington, D.C. on May 8 and will help host the “Congressional Cycling Fitness Fair” on Capitol Hill May 13.
“In a world that is very much short on role models, these women and this team fill a real need,” said Altarum Institute President and CEO Linc Smith. “In the Altarum Institute Professional Women’s Cycling Team, our children will see women who take careers, sport, and health very seriously. The Institute is very proud of this team and very thankful for its willingness to share its message and enthusiasm with children.”
Contact Information
Jonathan Orr703-575-1215
jonathan.orr@altarum.org
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Altarum Institute (www.altarum.org) integrates objective research and client-centered consulting skills to deliver comprehensive, systems-based solutions that improve health and health care. A nonprofit serving clients in the public and private sectors, Altarum employs more than 350 individuals and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan with additional offices in the Washington, DC area; Atlanta, Georgia; Portland, Maine; and San Antonio, Texas.