After a long school day, going to the gym for an hour of sweating and heavy breathing is often the last thing students want to do. Yet many say being active ultimately helps them feel better.
Some students who can’t drive or participate in other sports find it hard to go to the gym. Nora Becker (11) tries to get to the gym as much as she can, but often has to rely on her parents to drive her.
“I have to wait for them to take me, and sometimes they are too busy to,” Becker said.
When Becker first started going to the Michigan Athletic Club, she didn’t know where anything was or what to do. When she started to see people online in the gym, she began to find more exercises to do or tips on form.
In the fall and winter months, Piper Hylen (9) goes to the gym more often because she doesn’t have any conflicting sports. But in the spring, Hylen plays tennis, which is after school Monday through Friday.
“I don’t go as much as I want to,” Hylen said.
Maude Ferkany (11) started doing yoga after going with her dad’s girlfriend, who owns Yoga is Medicine in East Lansing. Ferkany quickly took to enjoying the activity, especially hot yoga. She now goes around twice a week and has stayed consistent since she started in December.
“[Yoga] is all about staying focused, calm and relaxed while still being active,” Ferkany said.
Most sports at ELHS include workouts, depending on the team. Whether it’s conditioning or weightlifting, these sessions provide an extra form of physical activity beyond just playing the sport.
Football player and track runner Cormac Veith (9) explains that having scheduled workouts during the off-season helps him stay active.
“If I didn’t have football workouts, I might not go on my own,” Veith said.
(Photo by Elizabeth Ahlin)
However, students like Henry Foster (11) prefer going in their free time. Foster typically goes to the gym four to five times a week. He follows a strict workout split and comes in knowing exactly which muscle group he will target.
When Foster first started going to the gym, he was dealing with personal challenges that pushed him to improve himself. As a result, he has gained confidence, and the gym has helped him work through those struggles.
“[When I work out] I know I did something good that day,” Foster said. “I actually went to the gym instead of just sitting around.”
