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Brotherly Love: Teachers Inspire Fitness

RUNNEMEDE, NJ (CBS) -- Helping teens get in shape without joining a sport -- that's the mission of a teacher who knows why a healthy body is so important.

This isn't your typical gym class. In fact, it's the computer lab.

Welcome to the HiFive Club at Triton Regional High School in Runnemede, New Jersey, a club that helps students get in shape without the pressure or anxiety of PE class.

"All I want to see them get in their head is some sort of idea of lifelong fitness," said Rachelle Omenson, the co-founder of HiFive.

Omenson says she was heavy in high school and later, saw many of her students with similar unhealthy habits. She wanted to make a difference, so three months ago she and a fellow teacher spent about $200 of their own money for exercise balls, jump ropes and mats and volunteered their time for a fitness club far from the gym to show these students you can exercise anywhere and get results.

"I've actually gained more muscle, I'm a lot happier and I can wake up easier," said junior Anna Marie DeMarco.

HiFive stands for health, intensity, fitness, inspiration, vision and energy.

From wall sits on the locker to working triceps on the corner of a desk, these students say the HiFive club is the right mix of inspiration and motivation, especially for students with busy schedules.

"I've never had time off," said senior Saraya Bethel. "I've always had work, and my only days off are Tuesday and Thursday."

The same days the club meets. Rachelle says if you miss a day or two, that's okay, as long as you exercise no matter where you are.

"They can be in their driveway or their bedroom or somewhere around their house without having to pay to join a gym," she said.

As the students improve their health, they even win fitness equipment like exercise balls and yoga mats.

Watch this video...

Reported by Dave Huddleston, CBS 3

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