With each new day comes a new battle for high school students. Whether it’s the abyss of assignments, strict deadlines, sleep deprivation, or unrealistic expectations of teachers, being a high school student is quite a heavy lift. In an effort to escape this draining reality, many students retreat to physical endeavors. From a simple stretch routine to an HIIT workout class, exercise allows students to catch a break from their demanding schedules.
For those who don’t feel that exercising at room temperature is enough of an accomplishment, there is hot yoga. This sweat-soaked serenity is a challenge compared to yoga’s typical mindful meditation and subtle movement. Studios are set anywhere from 85 to 100 degrees, which enhances flexibility and helps detoxify the body of impurities. Classes begin with a short warm-up followed by a series of moves such as child’s pose, warrior ll, chaturanga, chair pose, and other vinyasa yoga poses. Freshman Caroline Saxon and her sisters are regulars at Highland Yoga. ‘’Leaving the class I always feel refreshed,’’ said Saxon. ‘’The meditation at the end always clears my head.’’
When they aren’t grinding it out in the weight room or at practice, Dub athletes also have fitness affairs outside of their sport. Focusing on major components like agility, endurance, strength, and speed, many students work with sport-specific trainers and coaches to strengthen their performance. Personal training holds athletes accountable and allows for a personalized fitness plan. Trainees can look forward to these sessions amid the chaos of other extracurriculars and homework. Sophomore Dorothy Perno is a dubs volleyball player who meets with her trainer once a week. ‘’Right now we are working plyometrics and strength training,’’ said Perno. ‘’My goal is to be stronger for next season.’’
While it may not be the Equinox of Atlanta, the YMCA is still home to a special group of gym rats. Each school day at the sound of the final bell, North Atlanta’s fitness fanatics scample to the parking deck with nothing but the YMCA in mind and by 3:30, it’s practically North Atlanta turf. Students come prepared with specific plans for each day of the week to keep them on track towards reaching their goals. With a myriad of machines like treadmills, stairmasters, dumbbells, and squat racks, exercise pursuits are endless. ‘’Mondays are the worst because they are leg days,‘’ said sophomore Nik Kumar. ‘’I look most forward to Thursdays because I work chest with my friend Asher.’’
Staying faithful to a workout routine is not always an easy task, but as the pressure of school begins to weigh on students, a good sweat can be enticing. Whether it be hot yoga, personal training, or grinding out at the gym, the dubs are active in their exercise ventures.
