Girls on the Move is club at Terrace Middle School that inspires movement of the mind and body for girls in grades 6 through 8. By focusing on the mind-body connection, girls are learning about overall health and wellness.
Led by a team of dedicated volunteers, Girls on the Move has approximately 20 active students. The students run each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at Terrace Middle School, run twice a week at home, and attend a weekly presentation from a female professional. Presentation topics include: safe running tips, the importance of eating breakfast, skincare, and how to use sunscreen. The girls are engaged and interested during these casual and open presentations where all questions are encouraged and supported. Guest speakers are invited to stay and run with the girls, creating even more female camaraderie and support.
Regular exercise reduces stress and depression, builds self-esteem, improves sleep quality, and increases overall mental health. Research shows that girls who exercise during their teen years have a reduced risk of breast cancer as an adult. With the rapid rise of type 2 diabetes in adolescence, teens who exercise have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in both adolescence and as an adult (girlshealth.gov).
Intended to engage and motivate, Girls on the Move is all about having fun, making connections, building confidence, and engaging a new student audience. Provided with weekly challenges, like eating protein for breakfast or walking the neighborhood with a parent or guardian, the girls are encouraged to make better choices in every aspect of their lives. Each girl receives a special bead for their Girls on the Move necklace for every practice they attend. The goal is to show off those fully beaded necklaces while participating in the 5k Literacy Run on October 12.
Girls on the Move is more than just an exercise club. Terrace School Counselor and Girls on the Move Coordinator Ingrid Larsen said, “by focusing on the mind-body connection the girls learn how to exercise, stretch, create better eating habits, reduce stress, and build confidence – all the good stuff. We focus on eat, sleep, and exercise. With this program the girls know that they have role-models and a strong female support system.”
For more information about Girls on the Move contact Ingrid Larsen at ilarsen@lakeport.k12.ca.us or call Terrace Middle School at 707-262-3007.
