
You may have heard Jack Godfrey ’22 singing in the hallways of PHS, observed flyers in the hallway promoting a “Get Yolked” mindset, and seen many athletes lifting weights in the gym or doing lunges outside on the grass. All of these recent developments can be attributed to the work of the PHS Fitness Club. Due to recent construction, the weight room at PHS is currently closed. While the closure was frustrating for many, it resulted in a group of seniors forming a fitness club while waiting for the weight room to reopen. Under the management of Godfrey and fellow fitness enthusiasts Aaron Munford ’22, Oliver Cai ’22, and Matthew Ellsworth ’22, the PHS Fitness Club is quickly gaining popularity. These leaders are athletes hoping to guide their classmates through instructional lifts on Tuesdays during break.

Although they are limited in terms of equipment, leaders and members bring their own weights. Workouts usually consist of weight circuits and, occasionally, cross training, which includes cardiovascular work and stretching. PHS Fitness Club helps not only experienced weightlifters but also those just starting their fitness journey. Regardless of a person’s current athletic ability, the club’s main purpose is to help members improve their overall health.

“The club is a great way of teaching and helping people achieve their fitness goals, whatever [they] may be. We don’t discriminate based on where you’re starting out or where you want to go,” Ellsworth said.

Although the fitness club helps members begin their fitness journeys, they must put in work outside of the club in order to see results.

“The main point of the club isn’t necessarily working out once a week. You have to do it on your own,” Munford said.

By understanding and acknowledging the correlation between restrictive diets and body dysmorphia in teenagers, club leaders ensure that their members receive proper nutritional advice. Recognizing every person has different dietary needs, they use their own experiences to provide examples of healthy diets. Overall, they recommend the use of protein powders and supplements to help their members improve fitness and gain muscle.

“We give recommendations on healthy sources of carbs, fats, and proteins as well as how to have a balance between them. We are big advocates of protein,” Munford said.

On their Instagram, the PHS Fitness Club posts motivational singing videos every day to countdown the time until the weight room reopens. Godfrey is often featured in these videos, where he sings a song picked by the club’s Instagram followers the day before. Music choices range from pop ballads like “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen to rap like “Hotline Bling” by Drake.

“[The] club is definitely a positive force within the school. It helps bring people together and motivates them to be their best that they can be,” Godfrey said.

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