AHS students add popular workout routines to class

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, October 6, 2010

P.E. is no longer just jumping jacking and push ups.

For students at AHS, it’s P90x and Pilates.

Debbie Posey’s food and fitness class boasts 45 students in grades nine-12, and with a large class, she said she was looking for options to keep the class interested

Her solution was to incorporate exercise programs such as P90X and Pilates, along with walking, playing volleyball and some basketball.

P90X is a home exercise system developed by Tony Horton and marketed to improve physical fitness in 90 days through a rigorous segmented training program combined with a nutrition and dietary supplement plan. The program uses a method of cross-training and periodization achieved through switching the order of the exercises and incorporating new and varied movements.

Pilates on the other hand is designed to dramatically transform the way the body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It also teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement.

Posey said she hopes to include kickball and wiffle ball in the class since the weather is changing.

Posey said the for the most part, the class is enjoying and participating in the new exercise program.

“I wanted to make them aware of eating right and exercising,” she said.

Senior Brittany Smith is a member of the class and said she enjoys it.

“It is amazing,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun, and I’m starting to get a beach ‘bod.’

“P90X and Pilates really helps,” she said.

“I had tried Pilates before this class, but never P90X, but Mrs. Posey makes us do it.”

Posey said just like with any other exercise program, students get out of it what they put in.

Smith agreed.

“I feel more toned after this and Pilates,” she said.

Shown are Raegan Eiland, Abbie Young, Andi Hughes and Cassie Cooper participating in a P90X workout. | Kendra Bolling/Star-News