Fit Futures

The lack of physical exercise and an increase in a sedentary lifestyle among youth is a major contributor to the rise in obesity among young people.  Because of budget constraints in public schools, physical education classes have been reduced from 42% to 25% and many youth have been unable to pass state fitness exams. For these reasons, A Better World developed the Fit Futures Program.

Established in 2006 though funding from the U.S. Department of Educaton, Fit Futures is a comprehensive program designed to improve the overall physical health of community youth, ages eight to 13.   Through fitness assessments and a nine-month after-school physical fitness program, Fit Futures is making an impact by building stronger, more confident urban kids. 

We help instill lifetime healthy habits in children through our capacity building training program with after-school staff.

The Fit Futures program is conducted by A Better World in cooperation with several key partners: the City of St. Louis Division of Recreation; St. Louis elementary schools; Laura Beckmann, a physical fitness consultant; and the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL). 

Training is delivered to recreation center sports coaches and elementary school P.E. teachers, and free sports and fitness equipment is provided to participating institutions.  By building the capacity of schools and recreation centers to help youth meet state physical fitness standards, Fit Futures is shaping behavior that will lead to enduring health.

Read about the Outcomes and Benefits of the Fit Futures Program.