Yoga and Kickboxing Fitness Fun

Written by Hannah Niederriter                                                                                                                                                            10/24/19 

Yoga and Kickboxing Fitness Fun

Written by Hannah Niederriter | 10/24/19

From 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on October 23rd, a fitness night with the theme of destressing was held in the Cranberry High School commons and gymnasium. There were two courses for both guests and students alike to pick from: cardio kickboxing and yoga. 

Before both classes began, Mr. Bean, a physical education teacher from Cranberry, explained the importance of limiting screen time to be more productive and healthier. He reviewed the idea that being so invested in electronic devices beyond just the use of cell phones has several links to worse mental health, specifically among the populace between the ages of 8 and 21. 

Students from the cardio kickboxing class follow the instructor in a series of punches and kicks (Photograph by Dylan Lu) 

Instructor George Etzel teaches student about roundhouse kicks and blocks while fellow peers observe (photograph by Dylan Lu) 

In addition to the screen time discussion, Mrs. Oliver, a health teacher at CHS, led all participants in a meditation exercise for a few minutes in order to teach everyone about the resources they have at their disposal for destressing. According to Mrs. Oliver, meditating for just 10 minutes a day can help you relax, increase performance, and even sleep better. 

The kickboxing class was taught by George Etzel from the Venango County School of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, while the yoga class was taught by Dr. Kate alongside assistant Makayla Markle. 

Both aimed to allow attendees to relieve their stress from everyday life in a way that is productive and healthy. Each course was approximately an hour long, covering everything from self defense to flexibility. 

After the completion of both classes, staff members at Cranberry High School presented workshop participants with kale smoothies, apples, and water bottles free of charge. While there isn’t a definite date or topic picked out for the next fitness night, there are plans for one to take place in the spring.