“Intellect and skill can function at the peak of their abilities only when the body is healthy and strong.” – President John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy was on the right track years ago when he called on Americans, including our young people, to become more active. The benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, from reducing the risk of injury and illness to improving performance in sports and activities, especially in high school students. Less obvious, but perhaps more important, is the positive effect of exercise on young people’s mental health and self-esteem.
Our talented athletes are regulars in the fitness room, but other students are hesitant. That is changing.
The Brunswick School Department recently unveiled a newly renovated fitness room (named the Dragon Fitness Room) and nearby yoga studio at Brunswick High School. These are changing the way students view athletics.
This kind of came to light last year, when during a professional learning group on health, a small group expressed interest in improving school health facilities to promote general fitness activities for students and staff. It was planted.
Physical education teacher Greg Nadeau and school resource officer Nick Bedard are part of a grant from Midcoast Parkview Health aimed at reducing barriers to participation in certain community activities. Led the effort to apply for and receive the Lincoln Health Community Health Improvement Fund. . The $75,000 grant funded most of the renovations and improvements to the Dragon Fitness Room and nearby yoga room. Our facilities department’s budget covered the cost of new flooring for both spaces.
Chris Gronkowski of Gronk Fitness (yes, he’s football legend Rob’s brother) visited our school and discussed the best use of space, layout options, physical education classes, team training, and general They guided me on how to best meet my usage needs. etc.
The new weight room has everything a high school student or athletic team could want, from free weights and treadmills to bike and cable machines. Mirrors are hung on the newly painted walls, allowing exercisers to check their form as they lift. Physical education classes may be held in the morning. In the afternoon, the athletic team hits weights and staffs on the treadmill.
The yoga studio offers yoga, barre workouts, and physical education classes. There’s a Peloton bike and a large screen monitor for training videos.
The combination of these two renovated spaces will allow the PE team to rewrite the course curriculum to include more general fitness classes that will appeal to students. School staff, including Nadeau, supervise the space after school, teaching students proper form and how to use equipment.
Why is this so exciting? In addition to becoming stronger, faster, and more flexible, exercise has a positive impact on participants’ mental health, self-image, and self-esteem. This is especially important as our youth are exposed to distorted views of body image on social and mass media.
“Anything that shows a person what they can do with their body, rather than what they look like, will improve their self-image,” said Athletic Director Kairi Phillips. Kairi also emphasizes that teaching students how to appropriately engage in physical activity early in life “leads them to be healthier throughout their lives.”
The National Institutes of Health reports that physical activity can significantly improve sleep quality. This is important for our youth. Research also suggests that physical exercise improves symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is also important to note that the Wellness Room also provides opportunities to interact with other students and become part of a community group.
BHS Principal Troy Henninger told me that the students are really enjoying the renovated facility. Overall it’s a very nice space! ”
Fitness rooms have their own sounds, from the clang of weights to the thud of someone running on a treadmill. I smile every time I walk by, knowing that the students are strengthening their bodies and minds, and that every rep and every step is transforming them into a better version of themselves.
Philip Potenziano is the superintendent of schools in Brunswick.
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