Crist Wants More Phys Ed

Victoria Langley, Capitol News Service

Governor Charlie Crist is applauding school districts that are finding ways to help their students be more physically fit. The governor attended a special program in Tallahassee today where schools are partnering with a local health insurance company.

The students take part in innovative exercise classes before and after school. Parents say the program has helped their kids be more physically active at home and get better grades.

"I think it's very important that we provide physical education and physical activity to our young people," Crist said. "Because if they get started in that lifestyle of physical fitness, they may stay with it through the rest of their lives, and it's important to do that. I work out every morning. And as I tell people, the best vitamin I take in the morning is a good workout. It gets me a good start in the morning. It makes me feel good."

Crist has created the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness to develop an action plan to reduce obesity in the state over the next 10 years.