By: Bryce Coleson 

The Squire knows it is hard to stay fit in the winter, so we have some advice to stay in the best shape as possible this winter. There are many ways to stay fit, some of which are lifting weights, running/jogging, walking, yoga, sports, dancing, and many more. 

      Weightlifting is one of the more common ways people stay fit during the winter. There are multiple places to weightlift in the Warren area, including the Warren YMCA and S&C Powerplant and Tanning in downtown Warren. There is also a Planet Fitness at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood, New York. If you are looking to stay local, Eisenhower High School has a weight room. For more information on Eisenhower’s weightlifting program, contact Mr. Black, the Eisenhower Athletic Director.  Most of these options also have treadmills or small areas for aerobic and cardiovascular activities, which provide even more options for staying fit. 

       If you don’t play an organized sport in the winter, but want to stay fit, Eisenhower High School offers many options for off season training. The training will keep you in shape and prepare you for the upcoming fall and spring sports.  The Knights football head coach, Mr. Penley, organizes workout and speed training to prepare for the season. Softball head coach, Rich Pascuzzi, encourages his players to lift and do speed training, in addition to doing softball-based drills, like hitting and catching.   

       The Squire interviewed a strength and weight training student, Kris Bunk, to learn more about working out in the off season. When Kris was asked why he started working out, he stated that he started working out to get stronger and faster for football.  He went on to explain that in order to stay fit, he lifts weights, as well as playing football and basketball. Bunk was additionally asked how staying fit by lifting has helped him on the basketball and football field, to which he responded that it has helped him by making him stronger at blocking and faster.  

      Additionally, skiing and snowboarding can also be a good thing to do and stay fit turning the winter It is also a good way to get in the great outdoors in the dreaded winter months. There are many places locally like The Peak N’ Peek, and Holiday Valley. There are also many local walking trails that permit cross country skiing.  

      So this winter, there are many great options to make sure you stay fit and can have that great summer body. If you’d like to participate in any of the off-season conditioning, see Mr. Penley or Mr. Black for more details.