The Preventative Health Education Program

Fitness and Health Classes

The youth program targets kids ages 8-17 within the local community of Southern California. In coordination with schools, community groups, clubs and other organizations, we provide comprehensive fitness classes taught by a qualified fitness professional.

The Fit Community at the Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood, Ongoing

At the Boys and Girls Club, Fit4Free hosts fitness classes once a week. Class size is limited by number of staff in order to provide kids with the right amount of individual attention, and to prevent injury. Younger kids participate in group exercises designed for muscle conditioning, aerobic training and to improve coordination. Nutrition discussions are also included in fitness classes as a way to improve health, fitness, and performance. Cooking classes, sponsored by Whole Foods, are offered on a monthly basis.

Santa Monica High School Teen Parenting Health Awareness, 2001-2002

At the Santa Monica High School Parenting Center, Fit4Free visited young mothers and pregnant teens to teach them about the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity. The girls were taught exercises for cardiovascular conditioning and muscle conditioning, as well as proper nutrition habits to improve health and fitness. Fit4Free also donated exercise videos to the center, which the girls use to work out on their lunch break. The Director of the Teen Parenting Program, Marilyn McGrath, reported great improvement in the girls' attitudes towards health and fitness.

Equipment Donation

Through Fit4Free's equipment donation program, the organization places used, donated equipment still in good condition, into schools and organizations that need it. Fit4Free can only place equipment that is in good condition.

Program Demand and Limitations

The demand for Fit4Free's programs exceeds our capabilities. As mentioned, many of the organizations that we already work with are in desperate need of fitness equipment. Meanwhile, other organizations, such as HOLA, Fairfax High and Optimist Youth Homes, have also expressed interest in hosting our programs, but here, too, resources are too limited to take on new participants in the program.

Contact Information

Contact: Jennifer Holden, Fit4Free. P.O. Box 480332, Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 851-6139. (323) 874-1680 (fax) e-mail: jennifer@fit4free.org