Students Get Fit With Flat 14ers Program

SHERIDAN, Colo. (CBS4)- Students across Colorado continue to climb mountains no matter how cold it gets outside. They're stepping it up as part of the Flat 14ers program.

"We get to play dodgeball," said one student.

"Run, walk," said another.

Students at Sheridan Middle School are lacing up their sneakers as part of the Flat 14ers program to reduce childhood obesity. The program is also encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control.

"Inactivity leads to many diseases which we are hoping to prevent because we all can prevent because we are a prevention agency," said the CDC spokeswoman.

Denver Broncos Linebacker Joe Mays spoke at the middle school about why staying active is important.

"We always want to be the best at what we do," said Mays.

Many communities in Colorado have posted signs in area parks equating the distances to that of climbing a 14er. It's inspiring to the children in the program to stay active and fit.

Flat 14ers is a program to get you moving by "climbing" virtual 14ers. Flat 14ers is a fun, easy way to become active by converting minutes of activity such as walking, runni8ng, cycling and playing sports into steps toward reaching the summit of a 14er. A simple online tracking system makes the conversion and keeps track of steps. So get out and get moving… you can climb a mountain!

RELATED LINK: More About Flat 14ers