Wednesdays are for Workouts

PREP students look forward to Wednesdays because it means physical education class with teacher Maciej Litkowiec. Students travel by bus from Booth Center to Wing Lake’s gymnasium, and, new this year, some students venture to Planet Fitness every other week for an exciting change of pace.

Litkowiec prioritizes teaching independence within physical education. Whether class is held in the Wing Lake gymnasium or at Planet Fitness, students are taught to understand the importance of stretching before and after exercise, hydration, and proper, safe use of equipment. Activities are specifically designed around each student’s individual needs and abilities.

The students who choose class time at Planet Fitness all have individual or family memberships, allowing them to use the gym outside of just the school day. As a part of class, Litkowiec teaches students how to use the cardio equipment and weight machines so that they can work out safely in their spare time. Students Julia Long and Shanzay Anwar’s PREP workout experience help transition their skills to using other equipment in the community and working out with family. Both students are big fans of the treadmill. 

On Wednesdays spent at Wing Lake, the goals are the same: prepare students for independent life outside of class. A session in the gymnasium includes stretching, games requiring hand-eye coordination, and plenty of fun. Manipulatives like bean bags, large and small textured balls, and paddles are used to teach focus, grip, and concepts such as taking turns, and returning equipment to its place. 

Litkowiec explained, “Games in the gym are geared towards familiarity in recreational games seen outside the school setting such as pickleball, volleyball, bowling, etc. I also make sure that students are challenged physically/fitness wise for their personal growth.” Physical Education classes build confidence, independence, and life skills, paving the way for the success of BHS PREP students.