Energy was high at Troy Middle School Friday morning as students cut the ribbon and unveiled the school’s new “Don’t Quit” fitness center.
The $100,000 fitness center, provided by the National Foundation for Governor’s Fitness Councils at no cost to the school, is part of the “Don’t Quit” campaign led by the foundation’s Chairman and personal fitness icon, Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld. Troy is one of three New York schools to receive this award.
“The most underutilized anti-depressant today is exercise. If you’re mad, sad, angry, stressed out, move your body. And now, Troy Middle is able to move all their bodies collectively,” Steinfeld says.
Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Elevance Health Foundation, and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fit Supply provides the fitness equipment. The foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.
Before the ribbon cutting, students gathered in the auditorium to hear from Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld.
“There’s a whole other part to the kid than just the instruction that’s in front of them,” says TMS Principal Ian McShane. “While all that stuff is critical, this stuff is critical also.”
McShane says they work to build time into the daily schedule to allow students the time to get their bodies moving and work together and this new fitness center will add to that.
Principal’s Assistant Brian Matthews says when students can strengthen their body, they can also strengthen their minds.
“I’ve found through the years of doing this job that there’s such an integral tie in between the strong body and strong mind,” Matthews says.
Matthews was integral in bringing this fitness center to the middle school after teacher Deloria Ballard-Hubbell suggested applying for the award.
Ziera Harrington is just one of many students looking forward to using the new fitness center.
“My mom, she really helped me get into fitness and I did it at home in seventh grade, but we didn’t have anywhere to do it. It’s really a motivational kind of thing for me.”
Matthews and McShane firmly believe having the fitness center available to students will make a positive impact throughout the building.
“Having the kids be able to build up confidence in the weight room, then bring it into the classroom is something I think is going to be great for our school,” Matthews says.