The University of Kansas has announced the opening of Well-Fit | Center for Youth Wellness and Fitness, a groundbreaking initiative focused on providing knowledge and skills to improve physical wellness and fitness among youth through STEM learning and in-person programming.
The Center’s Approach 🔍
- Led by Associate Professor Trent Herda, Well-Fit combines online educational content, in-person exercise programming, and research to achieve its goals.
- The online branch, Sci-FIIT Academy, delivers interactive and engaging STEM learning on physical fitness and wellness.
- In-person programming includes the Sports Skills & Physical Activity Camp and Jayhawk Performance, a youth strength and conditioning program.
Fostering Healthy Habits through STEM 📚
- Well-Fit aims to give children insights into healthy growth, exercise benefits, and proper nutrition through STEM education.
- “We’ve found that attacking this problem through STEM programming could be really effective,” Herda said.
- The center hopes to make its online programming accessible to children via school districts.
Cutting-Edge Facilities 🏟️
- Well-Fit’s in-person programming will take place in the new Youth Exercise and Sport Center (YES Center) within the Robinson Center.
- The state-of-the-art facility features synthetic turf, rubber flooring, squat racks, resistance training equipment, and equipment for speed, agility, and power development.
Collaborative Research 🔬
- Well-Fit conducts research through its online and in-person programs, collaborating with the Center of Children’s Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition (CHLN) and KU Medical Center laboratories.
- “Strong collaborations have developed with members of CHLN,” Herda said, highlighting pediatric neuromuscular projects.
via: KU NEWS
