The Eagle Circle program is dedicated to helping teens feel good about themselves through exercise. When they opt out of team sports at school, teens often feel left out of high school life. Eagle Circle provides them with an opportunity to get their bodies in shape with non-competitive exercise, like martial arts and aerobics which are fun. "Being a part of a team or a group gives the kids a great sense of pride," says Mr. Sgritto. "Not only do kids feel like they are part of a team, they work out with well- trained staff. They also earn rewards," he continued. On the second day of participating in this program, kids earn a jersey, on the fifth day, they receive their team shorts, and on the eighth day, a team hat. A certificate is presented to each member of Eagle Circle who completes the program. Very often those who want to continue working out with Eagle Circle are asked to come back as mentors for others who are just starting the program. With these rewards, kids make an extra effort to better themselves physically.

"It is a misconception that kids with asthma cannot do some exercise," Mr. Sgritto continued. "In fact, exercise is good to strengthen the lungs." Kids with asthma, according to Mr. Sgritto, are often reluctant to participate in sports because they are afraid that if they put their body through strenuous activity, they will have an asthma attack. As a result, most teens with asthma drop all attempts at working out or joining an athletic team. The chances, therefore, of developing a problem with obesity is heightened, and a vicious cycle begins.

Eating disorders can be "fixed" when kids are comfortable in sharing personal information about why food is such a difficult issue for them. Jim reasons, "If kids are relaxed, they are more likely to discuss their problems. I have discovered that when these kids work out together, and they sit down and relax together, conversation easily results." Eagle Circle's "rap" sessions have been very helpful to teens who are able to get help in resolving personal struggles that feed into their eating disorder which is very often seen as a refuge for dealing with family problems. "Sharing personal problems always gets understanding from their peers who can very often relate to a situation, and teens get help from both their peers and the trainers. Also, this "rap" session is very helpful in establishing life-long habits for controlling weight through exercise," admitted Mr. Sgritto.

Jim Sgritto developed the Eagle Circle program from his experience as a counselor in a group home for kids. It was through his experiences with underprivileged kids that the seeds for the Eagle Circle were planted. Jim, who has a degree in exercise physiology and psychology, contends that his