Every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Parkway Elementary School, a group of fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders pack the gym for an early morning workout before class. They jump rope, do chin-ups, climb peg boards and swing hula hoops to keep fit.

Mike Thrasher, physical education teacher at Parkway, began the Heart Health Kids Club program in October. He said he wanted to give the kids a little something beyond the usual PE class. The class already has about 30 members. It's also free and strictly voluntary.

"I love getting up in the morning and coming here, because they want to be here," Mr. Thrasher said.

The class is becoming so popular that Mr. Thrasher said he may have to go to four days a week and include second- and third-grade students.

"I get phone calls from parents, wanting to know if we're going to have it Monday and Wednesday," he said.

Tyler Arrowood, a Parkway fourth-grader, said he works out at home too, but enjoys being a member of Heart Health Kids Club.

"I think it's fun to get up early and work out and have fun," Tyler said.

Casi Henton, another fourth-grader, said she gets exercise from walking to school. Her parents are big on fitness, too, she said.

"My parents do this, and I think it would be good for kids my age to do this," she said.

Alonzo Weston can be reached at alonzow@npgco.com.