At Haven, many students are often looking for ways to stay in shape.  Many students spend monthly fees attending local gyms like Planet Fitness or the YMCA. 

Students are also invited to use the school’s own weight and cardio rooms.  However, while these facilities are available, not all students may know how accessible they actually are.

The weight room is used regularly for gym classes and team lifts, but the weight room offers benefits that go beyond physical strength. Health and physical education teacher Mr. Rene Duffault explains how consistent use and exercise helps students improve how their bodies function. 

“It allows you to move more functionally… stronger, better, more fluid,” Duffault said.

Exercise can also play an important role in students’ mental health. Ninth grade counselor Mr. Gavin Stewart emphasized that physical activity plays an important role in overall well-being.  

“Our bodies are meant to be used and meant to move,” Stewart said. “[Movement] helps with your sleep… and it’s helpful for both your brain and your body.”

Stewart also said he has seen noticeable differences in students who are more active.  

“I can see a difference… their behaviors in classes are better,” he said, especially for the students that are heavily involved in sports or regular physical activity.  

Freshman Luke Bronchetti uses the weight room during basketball team lifts and sometimes on his own. He said working out has helped him both physically and mentally.  

“It does make me a little bit more proud of myself and happy,” Bronchetti said.  

Despite all of these benefits, awareness remains a crucial issue at Haven. Bronchetti admitted that while he is familiar with the weight room he didn’t know how easy it was for students to get into it. He also only recently became aware that students are allowed to use the weight room during fifth block and lunch.  

In addition to awareness, the environment can also be a point of concern for some students. Gym culture can be scary for beginners. Stewart noted that weight rooms can feel intimidating for some students, especially those who are not familiar with lifting and need to learn how to use the equipment properly.

The space in the weight room is also a concern. Duffault explained that in his classes it can get crowded with more than just 10 students, limiting how many people can utilize the space.

Haven’s cardio and weight rooms can offer both physical and mental health benefits. However limited space, lack of awareness, and gym culture may prevent students from fully taking advantage of the spaces.  

The opportunity to use the weight room and benefit from it is there, but not every student knows how to use it.