Student Fitness vs. Teacher Fitness

How can we ask our students to be mindful of their own fitness and well being when there are many teachers out there that do the exact opposite? I believe it to be incredibly hypocritical. If we as educators and role models do not put 100% effort into our well being how can we be at our best to teach our students? To be honest I believe there are even teachers out there who just flat out don't care then want to complain when they get tired. Benefits of exercise not only go to the youth but believe it or not it can affect productivity of adults as well in the learning environment. Now please don't think that I am perfect and never take time off from the gym. I believe in giving your body a break, but a typical day for myself includes getting up at around 4:30am, being at the gym by about 5:45am, teaching until 3:10, and if it is the springtime I coach baseball until about 6:00.

I have never been a person who enjoys hearing a bunch of excuses. I think everyone is capable if they just put a little effort into it. I do realize that there are grades to be put in and preparation for the next day of teaching but there is always time in your day to make a change to better yourself. I do also realize that there are circumstances where someone might have a medical issue and really struggle with their weight but exercising can help with some medical conditions like the high blood pressure medications we all hear so much about during lunchtime with our adult peers.

This post is more of a PSA. I want the folks who truly care about physical well being to not only think in terms of our students but our co-workers as well. The reason I wanted to bring them into the equation is they are the ones teaching our students. How can we be at our best if personal fitness is not part of their daily agenda. One thing physical educators do well is help the youth! But my challenge for everyone is how can we start getting our teachers in better shape. Our students see role models everywhere in each of their classes. The last note that I will end on will be what I was saying at the beginning of this...How can we ask our students to be at their best physically and mentally when we as educators show we cant do it ourselves. Its a little something to ponder about. Are you doing everything you can? If not, its never to late to start.=!