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She does it for her health but also so her "students see how my activity energizes me to teach and live life to the fullest," said Marianne Kolesar, winner of a fitness challenge at her gym recently.
It was the Teachers Challenge at Club Fit Jefferson Valley. In addition, the club awarded a $500 donation to Lakeland School in Shrub Oak as part of the contest. Club Fit Briarcliff also had an individual winner, Peekskill Middle School teacher Owen Scully.
"The goal of this challenge was to encourage local educators and school staff to take advantage of their summer schedules to focus on their health and well-being," said Karen Ireton, a spokesperson for Club Fit Jefferson Valley.
The May to August contest called on participants to show off their school spirit through regular workouts. Check-ins at both clubs were tallied to determine individual winners, as well as the winning school.
The teachers Kolesar and Scully claimed top spots at their respective clubs for checking in most among members who are teachers and took part in the challenge. Lakeland won because its teachers had the most participant check-ins overall, Ireton said.
Ireton said one teacher told her why she participated. She said she feels it’s important to set a good example for the kids. 'You can’t tell them they should incorporate physical activity into their day and not actually do that yourself, Ireton said.
Club Fit Jefferson Valley’s Club Experience Director Ron Koss and Senior Club Experience Advisor Jodi Coitino presented the check to Lakeland Principal Christopher Cummings.
“A little competition can be a great motivator,” Koss said of the challenge. Mahopac District finished in second place, he noted.
"Their staff is ready to step it up next year.”
Teachers Kolesar and Scully each won six personal training sessions for being active members of their respective clubs.
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