Q&A for How to Survive Gym Class

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  • Question
    How do you do well in PE?
    Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
    Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
    Physical Education Teacher
    Paige Bowen is a Physical Education Teacher at Oconee County Primary School in Watkinsville, Georgia. Paige has over 20 years of physical education teaching experience. She was awarded the Oconee County Primary School Teacher of the Year for 2002-2003. She received a B.S.Ed. in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia in 1996 and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 2003 from the same institution.
    Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
    Physical Education Teacher
    Expert Answer
    Gym class is about getting active and having a good time. Don't worry about being the best or whether you did something right or wrong. Just do your best and have fun.
  • Question
    I'm nervous about the changing in front of people. Will they stare at me?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    This is a big hurdle for many people. It might help to know that almost everyone feels uncomfortable about the changing room. Being prepared will help. Have your gym gear ready and with you so you can go straight to the change room. Try to be early and find a place in the room up against a wall or in the corner. If you glance around, you might see that everyone is trying hard to get changed without being noticed, too. Practice quickly changing at home. Make sure your underclothes are clean and presentable. By the end of the semester it will be much easier!
  • Question
    What if you think that the gym teacher just doesn't like you? Today I'm pretty sure I heard my gym teacher talking about me, referring to me as the "deadbeat" kid.
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    It's never nice to feel like someone is saying bad things about you. Ask yourself if your attitude and behavior could change to prove them wrong. Listen to the teacher and watch when the teacher is demonstrating. Eye contact will help your teacher see that you are present and trying your best.
  • Question
    I like to wear Converse. My mom told me that I can't wear them in gym this year and I have to switch them for running shoes. Is that a good idea?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If by Converse you mean Chuck Taylor's All-Stars, then yes. Those might feel comfy for casual wear, but they offer little cushioning or support for athletics. That's why you never see modern pros wearing them.
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