This past fall term, the Athletics Department launched a pilot program that restructured the existing Fitness and Conditioning program. Historically, students in Fitness and Conditioning earned their athletic credit by working out independently in the gym during their assigned one-hour time slot, three days a week.
Beginning this year, students participated in structured group fitness classes led by an instructor. The six class offerings for the fall term were yoga, P90X, strength training for girls, introduction to free weights, cardio, and Cybex.
A contributing factor to this decision was whether the previous Fitness and Conditioning program optimized student and instructor time and the gym’s equipment. The new program structure aimed to improve this by providing guidance on using equipment and the benefits of different machines. Doing so allows all students to have a well-rounded and productive workout, thus positively impacting their overall wellness.
“Having an instructor teach the class helped us pace ourselves; the instructor also helped correct our posture,” said Prim Tangkarakavoon ’24, who participated in P90X in the fall.
One challenge from the fall term was making space for students to participate in their first-choice class. Many students gravitated towards weight lifting and cardio, and Cybex. With limited spots in those programs, some students could not be placed into their top-choice fitness class.
If this model of Fitness and Conditioning continues into the next school year, students will be able to see descriptions of each fitness class listed in the course catalog. They will then choose a fitness class alongside their advisors while making course selections for the following year.
Two new fitness classes centered on weight lifting were added for this winter term. “There’s less to do outside; we want to offer a little bit more opportunity for students to be able to train and utilize the spaces,” said Assistant Athletic Director Mr. Andrew Dickson, who teaches a winter weight training class.
With a wide range of fitness options, the Athletics Department hopes that students will be able to find a workout regimen that best suits their needs and interests. Mr. Dickson said, “We’re continuing to find better ways to make it more open to students, and we also want to make sure that we’re providing a worthwhile opportunity for them.”
