New weight room equipment will enhance summer fitness program, P.E. classes

students use the equipment in the weight roomStudents taking advantage of Middleburgh’s first summer fitness program now have new equipment to work with. The district just received new pieces of fitness equipment, including cardio machines, a new squat rack, new barbells, and a new cable machine.

The summer fitness program has been running under the direction of physical education teacher Gregg Johns since July 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. five days a week. The program provides a cardio and weight program for Middleburgh students over the summer months, when they may not be as active while not in school.

“This is a pivotal program for student-athletes during the summer,” said Mr. Johns. “To offer them something to get them stronger, more flexible, it helps with injury prevention.”

More than two dozen students have taken advantage of the program, and Mr. Johns says he has had as many as 15 students in the weight room at one time. Students have been coming in groups of three or four, he says, and are learning how to spot and do different exercises correctly.

students use the equipment in the weight roomMr. Johns also thanked the district administration for their support in getting the new equipment and getting the summer program up and running. “[The administration] really supports the health and wellbeing of kids physically as well as academically,” said Mr. Johns. The new equipment will also be used during physical education classes throughout the school year.

The summer fitness program runs until August 9, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.