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Keeping Our Students Happy, Healthy & Strong
On any given day, if you peek through the windows of our gym, you'll see our students geared up to sweat it out. Whether they're being taught the benefits of static and dynamic warm-ups, taking part in team sports, or running fitness circuits, they are learning that fitness is both functional and fun.
Interwoven in our Physical Education (PE) classes is an alternative health program called Nutrition & Fitness for Life. This program is open to all students who would enjoy and benefit from working out in a smaller group setting. During their scheduled PE day, students have an opportunity to work with our Nutrition Educator and Fitness Specialist, Martha Pellegrino, to assess their current eating habits and fitness levels while developing personal wellness goals that will enhance their self-care, health, and wellness.
Building Physical Fitness
Our PE teachers introduced our students to the five components of physical fitness and a wide variety of activities in the hope they find something enjoyable that will lead to a lifetime of healthy habits and wellness. The curriculum is designed with five areas of health-related fitness in mind:
• Cardiovascular Endurance is the ability to perform exercises at moderate-to-vigorous
intensities for a prolonged period of time. Endurance activity keeps your heart, lungs, and
circulatory system healthy and improves your overall fitness. Some endurance exercises
include walking briskly, running, jogging, dancing, biking, and climbing stairs.• Muscular Strength refers to how much force a muscle can exert or how much weight you
can lift. Muscle-strengthening activities include weightlifting (think equipment or tools in
shop), bodyweight exercises (squats, pull-ups, triceps dips, etc.), and working with resistance
bands. Strong muscles can have direct and indirect benefits for health, including ease of
movement, good posture, and decreased risk of injury or falls.• Muscular Endurance is the ability to move a muscle or groups of muscles to sustain repeated
contractions against resistance. With increased muscular endurance, the higher number of
repetitions you can complete. Of course, it all depends on which muscles you train; you may
have more endurance with squats than with biceps curls, due to the size of the muscle. While
strength allows you to lift a force, endurance will enable you to perform physical tasks for a
more extended period of time.• Flexibility is the pain-free movement of muscles and joints through a full range of motion.
Although flexibility varies widely from person to person, minimum ranges are necessary for
maintaining joints, functional movement, and total body health. One way to improve
flexibility is through regular stretching exercises. Stretching is essential after exercise, as part
of a consistent workout routine, and even after sitting in an office/classroom chair for an
extended period.
• Body Composition is a term used in the health and fitness community to describe the ratio
of fat mass to fat-free mass like muscles, bones, organs, tendons, water, and other tissues
in the human body. Lean mass is also referred to as the fat-free component because it
measures everything else in the body besides fat.
PE Meets Occupational Heath
Our PE teachers also concentrate on aspects of health-related fitness that are relevant to the safety and success in each of our students vocational fields. Studies show that being physically active can improve your brain health, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Many employers now encourage physical activity and exercise in the workplace, recognizing the benefits of a fit and healthy workforce, which results in less absenteeism, more productivity, and higher staff morale.
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Do You Have Health & Wellness Questions On Your Mind?
If so, chat with one of your PE teachers about options for building muscle and improving strength. When it comes to exercise, you'll want to start slowly to avoid injury or burnout. You can also speak with our school Nutrition Educator and Fitness Specialist, Martha Pellegrino, about fueling your body for success by learning which foods will support your lean mass development.
Tips For a Fun-Filled Day of PE
• Eat a nutritious breakfast
• Use a refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout the day
• Locker rooms and bathrooms are available, so bring a change of clothes
• Wear the proper footwear; no boots, sandals, or flip-flops allowed in the gym
Before you know it, you'll understand how to create and maintain a fitness plan that works best for you.
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Meet Our Physical
Education Teachers
Brian Locwin, M.Ed. – Team Leader
Mr. Locwin, earned his Bachelor’s degree
in Physical Education from Springfield
College, a Master’s degree in Public
Health from Worcester State University,
and a Master’s degree in Education
from Central Michigan University.
Brian is a National Certified Health
Education Specialist. His certifications
and memberships include Physical
Education (5-12), Licensure, Society of
Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE)
America, Massachusetts Association
of Health, Physical Education, Recreation,
and Dance (MAHPERD), and is
First Aid and CPR Certified.
508-529-7758 x2252
blocwin@valleytech.k12.ma.us
John Burke, MS
Mr. Burke, majored in Business
Administration at Bryant University
and obtained a Master’s degree in
Strength & Conditioning at
Bridgewater State University.
John's certifications and memberships
include Physical Education (5–12),
Licensure, IYCA Certified High School
Strength & Conditioning Coach,
First Aid & CPR Certified, and
Varsity Baseball Coach.
508-529-7758 x2760
jburke@valleytech.k12.ma.us