How Fly Movement is Using FitBits to get Kids Fit

Fly Movement’s Mission is, “to help kids strive for goals and inspire them to be more physically active,” in school, and life.  Studies have shown that physical activity improves every area of a student’s life – social, mental and physical.  Part of Fly’s program is employing a wildly popular device, the FitBit.  Positively overwhelmed by the results and the 3rd graders enthusiasm for wearing the fitness trackers, we developed a FitBit Student Fitness Program (FSFP).

HOW DOES THE FITBIT STUDENT FITNESS PROGRAM WORK?

FSFP is an innovative six-week program.  Collaborating with several Houston elementary schools, Fly Movement makes multiple visits to the schools and meets with participating classrooms.  See behind-the-scenes details how our program works here. On our first visit, here’s what we do:

• Fit each child with a personally assigned FitBit

• Instruct the students on operating the simple device

• Lead the class in a fun activity, to get them started and,

• Demonstrate how to monitor the data stored on their FitBit

WHY IS THE FITBIT STUDENT PROGRAM SO REVOLUTIONARY?

Kids in our program, motivated by the practice of monitoring their FitBit data to “out do” their peers and teacher, are inspired to move more. Seeing detailed data of their every step, prompts them to, in effect, compete with themselves.

This is why our program is epic.  It self motivates, while actively teaching how to study data, make conscious fitness decisions, and actually see that work produces positive results.  Essentially, we use today’s technology trends to get kids moving, playing, and enjoying regular exercise.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

At the end of the first two weeks Fly Movement introduces a friendly competition for the kids. Sometimes the kids are divided into teams and whichever team generates the most fitness moves over the next four weeks wins a prize. Other times the entire classroom is given a fitness goal to try and achieve and if they succeed, the entire classroom wins a prize. During this time Fly Movement volunteers visit the kids at least twice to lead them in fun physical activities and inspire them to keep moving.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PROGRAM IS OVER?

At the end of the program, the Fly Movement staff makes its final, of several school-year visits, and tells the class which kids reached their goal (or if the classroom or team reached their goal).  We base our findings on the initial recorded goal and our analysis of each person’s or team’s FitBit data.  Students who reached their goal, win Fly Movement prizes like soccer balls, basketballs, hula hoops, jump-ropes, kites and more!

See Behind the Scenes how Fly Movement Works

HOW CAN I GET FLY MOVEMENT AND THEIR FITBIT PROGRAM AT MY CHILD’S SCHOOL?

If your child’s school would benefit from FSFP, please contact us. In addition, please share and like this article.

About the Author

Stephanie Tillman volunteers her content writing to Fly Movement. She is a Texas licensed attorney and flight attendant. She pens creative nonfiction and web content from her Houston, Texas home.