A New Rhythm for Fitness

The final bell signals the end of the academic day, but for some students, it marks the beginning of a different kind of learning. Sophomore Ayelet Raffalin anticipates her dance class, a vibrant mix of music, movement, and camaraderie. She embraces the energetic warm-up, appreciating the mental respite it offers.

raffalin is among a growing number of students who are opting for alternatives to conventional physical education. These options, while not providing prep periods for in-season athletes, offer unique avenues for fulfilling graduation requirements and exploring personal interests.

Beyond the Gymnasium: Diverse Paths to Physical Well-being

The options extend beyond the traditional gymnasium setting.Students can choose from:

• Dance: A fusion of artistic expression and physical activity.
• Yoga: emphasizing mindfulness,flexibility,and stress reduction.
• Athletic Conditioning: focusing on strength training and personalized fitness plans.

These alternatives cater to students who seek a different approach to physical education, one that aligns with their individual preferences and goals.

Dance: Where Fitness Meets Art

Alyssa Bond, a dance instructor, emphasizes the holistic nature of her class. Dance is just a chance to move yoru body to music, express yourself and participate in art while you’re working on your physical fitness, Bond said.

The dance program prioritizes participation and exploration, encompassing various styles such as hip hop, jazz, tap, and musical theater. Ayelet Rafalin appreciates the positive atmosphere, stating, I am happy with my decision to do dance for my second year of PE as Ms. Bond creates a really chill environment for the class, and it’s just a fun class for the end of the day. I love the people and how every class is run.It’s a very organized routine but still fun.

while Dance 1 fulfills the PE requirement, dance 2 offers the added benefit of satisfying the visual and performing arts graduation credit.

A good chunk of the students that choose dance really wont to dance. They want to move their bodies to music and listen to music. But I’m not blind. I get my share of students who just don’t want to run.

Alyssa Bond, Dance Instructor

Yoga: Finding Balance and Mental Wellness

Yoga provides another avenue for students seeking an alternative to traditional PE. Sheri Mulroe, the yoga instructor, notes that while some students are drawn to yoga to avoid running, many are attracted to its mental health and meditation components.

pretty much always the piece that sticks with the kids the most is the meditation piece, which initially was quite surprising to me, becuase it’s something we do for five or 10 minutes each class session. But I think learning different breathing techniques can definitely help students with any stressful situations, irritating things or anxiety provoking experiences.

Sheri Mulroe, Yoga Instructor

The yoga program was initially conceived to address student mental health concerns.There is a mental health struggle within our population in the district and at Paly, Mulroe said.One of the reasons was to work on addressing that in some way. Clearly, we’re not reaching every student, but people talked about wellness and actually doing something about wellness in schools.

Sophomore Kaavya Chittoor, a yoga student, appreciates the unique approach to fitness. I didn’t like PE at all, so it’s good for there to be other options for people who feel the same way. I thought yoga would be something I enjoyed more. I think we receive the same amount of physical activity as those in PE but in a different way.

Despite perceptions, both Mulroe and Bond emphasize the physical demands of their classes, highlighting the incorporation of strength and conditioning exercises.

I love to teach it as I’m offering an chance for someone to learn something they can do forever. So when I see that kids are excited about what they’re learning, that’s really exciting for me, seeing kids just adopt the practice and take it quite seriously.

Sheri Mulroe, yoga Instructor

Athletic Conditioning: Building Strength and Knowledge

Jason Fung, the athletic conditioning teacher, is passionate about empowering students through fitness. I love it, Fung said. It’s been my passion for many years, even before I started teaching. I was a personal trainer before teaching. I want to make sure kids understand how all lifts work and what they are used for.I’m glad we offer a weight room, and I can unload my knowledge of how to lift and lift properly, it’s something we could all use. There are adults that still don’t no how to workout. This class offers up an opportunity for kids to lift and learn.

The course begins with foundational knowledge of nutrition, hydration, and body composition. Students then develop personalized workout plans tailored to their individual goals.

The curriculum includes strength training and cardiovascular exercises. We do a variety of running such as stadiums, intervals and long distance runs, Fung said. So we do a variety of different things that PE does touch on, but we go in depth a little more. As you don’t get a prep, you’re really taking the class for what it’s worth. My goal and the class’s goal is ultimately getting you to enjoy the workouts and enjoy what you’re putting together for yourself.

Sophomore Jacob Molina chose athletic conditioning to build muscle. I’ve been a scrawny kid my whole life, so the confirmation that you look better and more in shape is just a really great feeling.That is what I hoped for when I decided to take the class. And I’m really grateful to have the weight room as a PE alternative.