Low carbs, low fat, low calorie, sugar free, more protein, high omega-3 fatty acids, more antioxidants, no soda, more whole grains, smaller portions, point values, and less fruit, just a few of the many variables in equations to better eating habits and ultimately a leaner, more enjoyable lifestyle. The equations are all different. Some are completely bogus, so what works? This single question puzzles the ‘growing’ American population.

After this Advocate reporter’s interview with Mrs. Rebbecca Lynn Belmore, the answer has become clear to me. Although these variables contribute, they are nothing without the ability to remain or become physically fit. Mrs. Belmore is a new teacher at Lisbon High School. She has been a physical education teacher for 15 years, formerly teaching in Massachusetts, knowing she was destined for this type of job since she was an athletic, freshman in high school. Mrs. Belmore worked as a lifeguard and baby-sitter, and participated in summer camp and was a girl scout. As one of two physical education and wellness promoters at LHS, she has quickly found her place amongst the LHS group. Mrs. Belmore also works as the middle school softball coach and the junior class advisor.

One of her main goals as a teacher, she uses individual to small group based curriculum like golf and tennis, that can be done at any time in life and are beneficial to the body. Mrs. Belmore hopes students will walk away from her course with an appreciation for overall, life-long, physical health.

If I could take away one thing from my interview it would be that fitness is a choice. Wellness teachers are the tool used to promote that choice. Fitness won’t just happen over night, but once achieved, it promotes all other life aspects to work in tune and in sync with each other. The choices that teenagers make now will follow them for the rest of their lives… and the choice to participate in Mrs. Belmore’s course sounds like an outstanding one.