Students from Cranberry High School’s cardio kickboxing class follow the instructor in a series of punches and kicks. (By Dylan Lu/Student contributor)
By HANNAH NIEDERRITER
Student contributor
From 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, a fitness night with the theme of destressing was held in the Cranberry High School commons and gymnasium. There were two courses for both guests and students alike to pick from: cardio kickboxing and yoga.
Before both classes began, Shawn Bean, a physical education teacher from Cranberry, explained the importance of limiting screen time to be more productive and healthier. He reviewed the idea that being so invested in electronic devices beyond just the use of cell phones has several links mental health issues, specifically among people between the ages of 8 and 21.
In addition to the screen time discussion, Melanie Oliver, a health teacher at CHS, led all participants in a meditation exercise for a few minutes in order to teach everyone about the resources they have at their disposal for destressing. According to Oliver, meditating for just 10 minutes a day can help you relax, increase performance, and even sleep better.
Instructor George Etzel teaches a student about roundhouse kicks and blocks while fellow peers observe at Cranberry High School. (By Dylan Lu/Student contributor)
The kickboxing class was taught by George Etzel from the Venango County School of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, while the yoga class was taught by Dr. Kate, alongside assistant Makayla Markle.
Both aimed to allow attendees to relieve their stress from everyday life in a way that is productive and healthy. Each course was approximately an hour long, covering everything from self defense to flexibility.
After the completion of both classes, staff members at Cranberry High School presented workshop participants with kale smoothies, apples, and water bottles, free of charge.
While there isn’t a definite date or topic picked out for the next fitness night, there are plans for one to take place in the spring.
Hannah Niederriter and Dylan Lu are students at Cranberry High School and members of Cranberry Chronicles, the school’s journalism/publications class.
