FHS offers a variety of unique PE classes such as dance, lacrosse and badminton. One such PE class is weight training. In this class, students are introduced to weight training equipment and how to use it safely.
During each class, students warm up on the football field, by doing stretches and jogging. After that, they head to the weight room under the bleachers where they rotate through different equipment stations. Students are able to perform various exercises using bench presses and weights, jump ropes, dumbbells, kettlebells and TRX bands, allowing students to work different muscle groups. On Mondays, they bring yoga mats to the small gym and follow abdomen workout videos to strengthen their core muscles.
Matthew Tait, who teaches multiple different PE classes at FHS, including the weight training class, has a passion for fitness and encourages his students to be active. He hopes this class encourages students to continue to work out as they get older and that having some fundamental experience in weight lifting will be useful later in life.
“At some point [these students] are gonna want to be stronger or get in shape. And then they’ll be like, ‘Oh, I’ve already lifted before. At least I know the basics,’” Tait said.
Tait also creates activities for the class to do throughout the year based on the state-required curriculum. He tries to include different workouts to keep students interested and having fun which motivates them to continue working out. He wants this class to be an opportunity for them to learn the basics of weight training in a setting where they can receive guidance from a teacher on the safe and effective methods of lifting and muscle strengthening. Tait describes his class throughout the year.
“I normally try to start out with bodyweight workouts to teach general movement and then I will progress to full body workouts inside (the weight room),” Tait said. “In the second semester, I have students create their own workouts.”
FHS senior Edward Lorenzo, who is taking weight training for a second time, said he enjoyed the class when he took it his sophomore year. He explained that he decided to take it again because he liked the workouts he did.
“It’s a good class and it gets a good workout during the school day,” Lorenzo said. “I do it to be more fit”
Tait hopes that by fostering an understanding of the long-term health benefits of weight training, students will gain valuable insights on developing their physical skills and be motivated to continue.
“Strength training is important for all ages, from when you’re 14 till you’re 80,” Tait said.
