While some schools are using video games as a contemporary way to motivate children to exercise, schools in San Diego are adopting a classic approach.

Some San Diego students are taking part in before-school running clubs—spending the 15 to 20 minutes between the time they get dropped off in the morning and the time they begin classes to jog a few laps around the track.

The before-school clubs are organized by educators and members of the community concerned about childhood obesity.

In most cases, the clubs simply require someone to count laps—keeping costs to schools at a minimum, say the San Diego Union-Tribune. Without a doubt they’re far less expensive than a dozen Nintendo Wiis.

Before-school running clubs have added educational benefits too. According to experts, exercise can help students perform better academically.

“Exercise is like giving them a little bit of Ritalin, a little bit of Prozac,” John Ratey of the Harvard Medical School told the Union-Tribune. “They both work to help the learner stay in the chair.”

Mary Beason, principal of Loma Elementary School, is not only supportive of her school’s club, she’s a member. Beason runs with her students two mornings a week.

Talk about leading by example.

Stacey Hollenbeck, spring intern