Lets Get Physical

Let’s Get Physical Olivia Newton-John, I am not, but I can still pretend. MITs Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation (DAPER) is in charge of the physical education (PE) requirement that MIT students have the privilege of completing before grdauation. You can read more about the PE requirement here. If youre a varsity athlete, earning your 8 units of PE credit will most likely not be difficult. Though I run 4 miles every morning and sort of played intramural (IM) dodgeball with my floor (before chickening out after seeing how psycho all the Ben Stiller-wannabes were), I need to get my 8 units the old-fashioned way: PE classes. (I was going to make a joke about how IM sports arent sports you play online, but people make plenty of those jokes during Orientation, so Ill save mine for then.) There are lots of sessions for PE classes 2 during each semester, during the Independent Activities Period (IAP), and over the summer. So far, I have taken beginner tennis. Thats it. They recommend you finish your PE classes by sophomore year, but obviously its a little late for that. I hope I dont end up like my friend Rose, who took PE golf right up until May so she would be able to graduate in June. (No offense, Rose. You still rock.) Okay, so I went through the list and picked out the ones that sounded interesting/do-able. Please help me pick which class(es?) I should take this semester. Archery A basic course in fundamentals of target shooting. Class will be conducted indoors. Bootcamp Workout A highly challenging and very intensive fast-paced structured workout to improve cardiovascular fitness, balance and coordination, muscle strength, agility, flexibility, and overall physical conditioning. Cardio Kickboxing Incorporates Taekwondo and Boxing. Excellent aerobic workout designed to focus on toning and strengthening while utilizing self-defense and martial arts based moves. No previous experience necessary. Dance-Middle Eastern This tradition is vivacious, supple, graceful, and sublime. Classes consist of warm-ups, exercises focusing on isolation and coordina- tion, followed by dance combinations. All WOMEN regardless of age and figure are welcome. Wear leotard, tights, or loose-fitting clothes to class. Dance- Modern Squares This challenging class teaches you Plus level square dancing set to a wide range of modern music. We begin by teaching you the calls which make up each level of dancing, which you then apply throughout the class. A group of eight dancers works together in this unique form of American dance. Focus is on fast and rigorous learning, reaction time, and flow. No experience or partner necessary. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Location changes: first class in Lobdell. Figure Skating This class builds on the skills taught in the general skating class. It is assumed that you will already know how to skate backwards and forwards. This class will improve your style of skating, and you will learn a variety of figure skating moves, including forward and backward edges, mohawk and three turns, spirals, lunges, spins, and a variety of jumps (bunny hops, waltz jumps, toe-loops, mazurkas, salchows, etc.). You must have figure skates. (Hockey skates are unsuitable for this class.) Rentals are available at the rink. Fitness For Life This class is comprised of aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching, and an assorment of mini-lectures on nutrition, injury prevention, and what occurs physiologically while you are getting fit. Please dress for activity for first class. Juggling In this class, students will learn the basics of both toss juggling and diabolo (Chinese yo-yo). We will cover techniques including three, four and more balls, passing, tricks that impress audiences and tricks that impress jugglers. The class is geared toward beginners, but students with previous experience are welcome to come and learn more advanced techniques. Karate Shokotan This class is an introduction into Shotokan Karate. Shotokan is the oldest and most popular Karate style. Enlightenment is its basic goal. Training entails stretching, basic techniques, Katas and sparring. Techniques include deep stances, punches and kicking, blocks and sidewards movements. The class is taught by Tabata Sensei, an 8th degree black belt and former US national coach. Intro to Pilates An introduction to the variety of pilates exercises and theories. Become comfortable with your own body and aware of its amazing capabilities! Rugby Introduction to the sport of rugby covering basic fundamentals, rules, and team play. Scrimmaging will be non-contact. Sailing Introduction to the basic fundamentals of sailing with theory and practice. Take advantage of MITs fine sailing facility on the Charles River. Students must present a boating swim test certificate at the first class. Squash Introduction of the basic skills for beginners who wish to learn this fast moving indoor racquet sport. All necessary equipment is provided. Yoga Energy, peak performance, and relaxation provide a practical toolbox of techniques and experiences. It is designed to empower you to concentrate, remember, generate energy, and sleep well. The meditations give you perspective and help balance the competing demands of a fast-paced life. (complete listing of classes) What do you recommend?