Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) and fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld unveiled the new Get Fit. Don’t Quit! fitness center at Brunson-Lee Elementary School in Phoenix.  Brunson-Lee hosted a school-wide pep rally to celebrate the official opening of the new $100,000 fitness center that will be utilized by both students and staff.

“The Get Fit. Don’t Quit! fitness center represents so much more than physical fitness,” said Jake. “It’s a space where students can foster new passions and form healthy habits that they’ll carry into adulthood.”

BCBSAZ announced the grand winning prize earlier this year as part of their inaugural Get Fit. Don’t Quit! Spotlight Awards, which recognized organizations in Arizona that are improving the health of their communities. Brunson-Lee was selected for the unique programs it has in place that advocate for student health and wellness.  

“It’s truly inspiring to see how committed Brunson-Lee Elementary School is to the health and wellness of its students and staff,” said Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of BCBSAZ. “By establishing positive eating and exercise habits at an early age, we can help build a healthier Arizona.” 

BCBSAZ transformed Brunson-Lee’s former storage facility into a state-of-the-art fitness center specifically designed to provide kids with safe, effective exercise that will help them increase strength, flexibility, and endurance. The newly renovated space includes rubber mat flooring, 30 new pieces of equipment, and circuit stations throughout.

“Physical activity is a key component of success for our students – especially when they can directly access this on campus,” said Leticia Castro, principal of Brunson-Lee Elementary School. “We’re thrilled that our students can now use state-of-the-art equipment under the supervision of our physical education instructors.” 

Following the pep rally and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, students and staff were welcomed into the new Get Fit. Don’t Quit! Fitness Center where select students demonstrated workout moves on the new equipment.  The fitness center is open for the 2019-2020 school year and will be utilized for physical education courses and staff recreation.

For more information on the Get Fit. Don’t Quit! program and resources to help improve your health, visit www.getfitdontquit.com.