Tired? Feel low energy in the morning? Want to focus better in class? Good news — the physical education (PE) teachers at Camas High School (CHS) say they know just how to help. CHS offers a variety of PE classes for students to choose from. The school provides students with several options and levels, from easing into exercise to rigorous workouts, targeting different areas of interest.

Advanced Fitness, one of the PE classes at CHS, is designed for “sports-loving, athletic students” who are sophomores, juniors and seniors, according to the CHS Course Guide. The curriculum includes a variety of workouts and competitive team sports. Many students said the class benefited them socially through their teamwork activities. 

“I interact with all of my classmates, especially on game day where teamwork is often the focus,” CHS senior and Advanced Fitness and Cross Training student Will Wiese said. 

In the course guide, Bodyworks is made for freshman to senior students who “want to get fit in a non-aggressive manner.” The class not only focuses on cardio/strength activities or nontraditional activities like yoga or Pilates but also teaches health/fitness concepts. 

“We’ve done a lot of running since our first mile, and we’re improving. I think it’s a really good thing,” CHS junior and Bodyworks student Addison Stewart said. 

Cross Training is a class designed for sophomore, junior and senior students “interested in increasing strength, speed, agility and balance using a variety of workouts and activities.” The class includes two weekly workout days (with TRX bands, kettlebells and medicine balls) and three game days a week. 

“I notice I’ve gotten slightly stronger,” Wiese said. 

Independent PE is designed for students who need the credit but cannot fit it into their schedule due to a heavy workload. This option allows students to work on their hours and fitness outside of school but requires an approved application form from the CHS administration and the student’s counselor. Many students who have taken this class said that it has helped them get more fit while accommodating their schedule. 

Weight Training, according to the course guide, is for “students who are interested in increasing muscular strength and size.” The class has activities that involve push-and-pull with weights. The weights vary depending on a student’s current strength level. Many students feel increased strength and muscle endurance since taking the class. 

“I think I have benefited from [Weight Training]. I know how to use the weights, and I can increase it the more I practice,” CHS senior Lauren Leffel said. 

CHS offers many options for students to complete their PE credits while providing lessons in health and fitness. The classes are enjoyable and allow students to build teamwork with others. CHS students can expect to go into PE feeling excitement rather than dread and leave feeling accomplished.