• 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.

  • 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.

  • 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































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