Work to Workout

By: Talar Simonian '21

(Image courtesy of Johnathan Frait '22)

Online school can be overwhelmingly busy. Sometimes, what students need is some movement and energy to help the mind focus along the way. Some familiar exercises are simple crunches, jumping jacks, leg squats, and push-ups. Finding a video on YouTube is a really great way to stay engaged throughout the whole workout, such as youtuber Gabriella Whited’s videos, which keep you fully motivated while exercising.

Gabriella Whited’s workout videos are only five minutes or less. The videos include anywhere from doing the lower abdomen/core, arms, legs, ect… They are also known to be “intense” and people who review these specific types of exercises claim they “make such a big difference.”

Some other basic exercises to do on your own involve bicycle crunches, lunges, planks, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Doing these for at least thirty seconds to a minute can really have an impact on the body. After the classes are done, going for a walk or jog outside can help relieve the stress students may encounter, in addition to getting fresh air just to clear the head.

One senior at SOCES likes to do a few exercises before they go to sleep and in the morning when they wake up. First, he likes to start off with a plank, anywhere from thirty seconds to two minutes.

“It’s a very simple exercise but it can be challenging depending on how long you do it for,” he explained.

He also does the “Superman” pose, where you lay on the stomach and extend the hands out, keeping the legs straight while trying to get the chest and legs off of the ground. The student likes to do these exercises because it strengthens the core, lower back, and helps build a better posture.

He explained that “it doesn’t take up any time.. and does make you stronger overall.”

Exercising in the morning helps boost the mood and focus of students. People should exercise at least once a day and in between classes, and make sure to stand up, stretch, and walk around for a bit in the few minutes that you have free. It is important to hydrate frequently. Exercising is all about consistency and intensity, usually doesn't require a lot of time, and helps strengthen the body and the mind in the end.