WEB EXCLUSIVE The Convent & Stuart Hall athletic department released a schedule for staying active as students and faculty continue remote learning over Zoom. 

“I’m glad there will be a virtual athletic schedule,” junior Shana Ong said. “I’m excited to stay active even while being at home.”

On Mondays and Wednesdays, athletic classes are separated into strength and core, agility and core, functional movement and core, cardio and sports talk. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, options include lower strength and core, agility and core, mobility, cardio and sports talk. In addition to the same Monday and Wednesday class offerings, Fridays include sports specific injury prevention according to Athletics Director Elena DeSantis. 

“I am planning on attending the agility training so I am prepared for the soccer season,” junior Natalie Stans said. “I’m excited to work out with my school community and coaches again, even if it’s online.”

Exercise boosts cognitive function and helps to combat many health conditions and diseases. It also helps reduce anxiety and boost happiness because of the neural stimulation when working out, according to the Mayo Clinic

“Even if you can’t attend the virtual workouts, I recommend trying to get outside for a walk or a run if you enjoy that,” DeSantis said. “It’s definitely difficult being on Zoom all day and it’s more important than ever to prioritize some movement whether it’s just stretching or doing some simple exercising outside.”

For Stans, making time for physical activity helps her focus while behind the screen for long hours everyday. 

“I’ve been trying to stay active even while sheltering-in-place because it really helps to clear my head,” Stans said. “I have been doing core workouts in the morning before school, and running or taking my dog for a walk after school.” 

The fall athletic season has been postponed until Dec. 14 when fall tryouts will occur. The CISF is still deciding how they are going to divide the seasons because the time period is only December to May according to DeSantis. 

“Although the fall sports season is postponed, I am excited about the other opportunities the athletics department is giving us like virtual workouts,” junior Shana Ong said. “It’s a great way to stay in shape for many student athletes who are unable to go out especially with the poor air quality and quarantine.”