Federal PEP grants can spread the fitness word and add business

So you think advocating federal funding for physical education is just a jocks-and-socks kinda thing? Well, think again. With the New PE, as some people call it, a class can do everything from aerobics to kick-boxing to skiing — with grant money to be had by schools to even buy fitness equipment. The Nautilus Group recently sold more than $20,000 worth of stuff to the Tulsa School District with money the district received from the federal government as a PEP grant (Physical Education for Progress). Included in the purchase: two bikes, two stairclimbers, five Nautilus Nitro strength pieces. And, we’re told, the district is also considering the company’s Fitness Advisor program that helps setup and track individual programs. This is the first sale for Nautilus under the PEP program.

SNEWS View: OK, so this isn’t big bucks like some club chain can buy, but it’s not only another sale, but one that is seeding the future (kids) who may become long-term customers or club members.