Cathedral City Students Pumped Up About Exercise

Students at Nelli Coffman Middle School were nearly out of breath on Wednesday as they tried their new fitness equipment. The school received $100,000 worth of equipment.

“I think they’re really good for the school,” said student Danielle Dumas. “I really like them. They’re nice.”

The school won this year’s “Desert Fitness Challenge,” part of the statewide Governor’s Fitness Challenge.

Nellie Coffman clocked in the most days of exercise. Students had to be active at least 30 minutes a day, three days a week, for a month.

“We challenged parents and grandparents to participate as well, and that would add in active days,” said fitness challenge Jake Steinfeld. “Nellie Coffman just smoked the crowd.”

The students alone recorded 66,521 active days. Their families recorded an additional 50,627 active days.

The purpose of the fitness challenge was to promote physical activity. Studies show more than 30% of California kids are overweight or obese. The new fitness center is a welcome addition to the campus.

“Instead of being out there in the hot sun, we could come in here and exercise,” said student Kailey Barrios.

Steinfeld hopes the newly-elected governor Jerry Brown will continue the fitness challenge. In the meantime, he’s just pumped up that these students are committed to staying fit.