By GABE EVANS – Sports Writer
After a three-year absence, Aerobic Dance returns to CCHS in 2013.
The Aerobic Dance Class made a return to Clarke Central High School for the 2012-13 school year with new students, a new teacher and a new way of conducting a Physical Education class.
“Weight lifting isn’t for everyone, running’s not for everyone, swimming’s not for everyone, but (aerobic dance) is a niche (where) students who are taking the class can increase their physical fitness,” CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said.
Clarke Central High School sophomore Ashley Gloster leads a session of Clarke Central High School physical education teacher Tim Stoudenmire’s Aerobic Dance class on Feb. 4. Photo by Maria Velasquez
According to the CCHS 2013-14 Program of Studies, the Aerobic Dance class is “an opportunity to perform choreographic routines to music, increase strength, improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance and increase flexibility.”
The class, previously taught by physical education department chair Dinah Posey in 2009, is now taught by CCHS head wrestling coach Timothy Stoudenmire.
“You can guess my initial response. I was reluctant teaching 35 girls,” Stoudenmire said. “Once I adjusted my attitude, (it) turned out to be the most fun part of my day.”
The class begins with a 20-minute jog around the weight room. Students then participate in a dance routine, such as tae-bo or zumba. Each workout is ended with a core workout, consisting of push ups, planks and situps.
“It is a workout, (but) it is intended to be fun. At the same time it is intended to be another avenue to being physically fit,” Stoudenmire said.
According to Stoudenmire, the class will not only improve the students physical health, but their mental health, as well.
“Self esteem is going to go up, physical appearance is going to improve. The way you sleep, the way you process information,” Stoudenmire said. “(It’s going to help) sitting in class and having a better attention span.”
While the class is open to everyone, this year’s enrollment is solely composed of females. Stoudenmire believes this allows the girls to be less self-conscious.
“We can’t tell a guy that he can’t be in there, but because of the lack of boys, there are no inhibitions,” Stoudenmire said. “If its 30 girls, they’re (going to) laugh. If one person goofs up, we all laugh at each other instead of being worried about what a guy thinks.”
Some students, such as CCHS junior Elisa Pollex, believe the lack of male students benefits to her experience in the class.
“It makes me feel better, because we’re all girls. We know what we do, and we know we look stupid when we do it, so its easier,” Pollex said.
Despite Stoudenmire’s intial reluctance, CCHS sophomore Ashley Gloster believes he is an effective teacher.
“I can’t see any teacher but Stoudenmire teaching that class, just because of his athleticism. He’s a workaholic,” Gloster said. “I love the class.”
