HHS Weights Class Improving Students Health and Gym Etiquette

Here at HHS, many physical activity classes are available to grades nine through 12, including weights class. This class teaches students how to appropriately use gym equipment, lift safely, and improve muscle strength. 

“I’ve improved a lot and lost a lot of weight and gained a lot of muscle,” Freshman Brooklyn Marini said. 

In the weights class, there are many students who are involved in sports. The class keeps these athletes in shape and maintains their strength in the off-season. In some cases, athletes may become injured and are told to take time off. This can cause a decrease in athletes’ muscle strength and stamina. During her wrestling season, Freshman Breanna Bruning was injured and experienced muscle loss during her recovery time. 

“…ever since I got my concussion, I realized how it made it harder to do a lot of other things, so I worked on trying to get strength back,” Bruning said. 

When using equipment of any sort, it is important to use it correctly to avoid injury. When lifting heavier weights, it is recommended to have someone close by, known as a spotter, to assist when needed. Marini believes in the importance of having someone, or anyone, at your side in case of emergency.

“If you are going heavier than you usually do, just at least ask someone at the gym. It doesn’t matter who it is, just [a person] to be there to watch and make sure you’re doing everything right, and you’re doing it safely so you don’t get hurt,” Marini said. 

Not only is it important to maintain proper exercise, a proper nutritious diet also plays a key role in staying motivated and healthy. When consuming more organic and protein-packed foods and less processed, sugar-filled foods, the body begins to have fewer spikes in blood sugar. This causes more consistent energy levels because of not crashing and feeling hungry again.

“If you don’t have healthy meals throughout the day… you’re just gonna gain that weight back, and you’re gonna lose your progress,” Marini said.