7 March 2024
Dumbbells surround a clipboard. Photo Courtesy: Alesia Kozik
Continuing his goal of ending childhood obesity and fighting mental illness, fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, chair of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), has kicked off the year by selecting the state of Hawai‘i for its 2024 Don’t Quit! Campaign.
The NFGFC will deliver a state-of-the-art Don’t Quit! Fitness Center to three elementary or middle schools. Public and public charter school nominations will be accepted through March 29. Visit www.natgovfit.org/apply-now, then click the Hawai‘i state seal to download the short application and nominate a school.
“This opportunity for three suites of fitness equipment for our Hawai‘i schools … is a wonderful opportunity and will be an even bigger blessing for our keiki who attend the selected schools,” said Gov. Josh Green. “As a physician, I know that getting energized by physical activity helps students to learn better.”
By the end of the year, NFGFC will have gifted fitness centers to all 50 states. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Carelon Foundation and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fit Supply provides the fitness equipment.
“I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact our fitness centers have on students and communities,” said Steinfeld. “When you provide schools the tools, you’ll be amazed by the changes that take place. Not only are we seeing increased academic scores, but we are also seeing confidence and self-esteem skyrocket.”
Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life, and reduce health care costs. In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism and fosters better interpersonal relationships.
For more information about the NFGFC or to download an application, visit www.natgovfit.org.