To my high school PE Teacher:
Sep. 26th, 2006 10:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
plutherusI just got back from my apartment's fitness center. I downloaded a fitness plan, with associated articles, ebooks, consulting, etc., from a web site.
It put together a standard cardio plus weight training plan. Each weight training day focuses on a different muscle group. Today's workout included bicep curls. I remember these from high school, which is the last time I lifted weights regularly. Well, it's not actually true that I remember these. I remember trying to do curls, and I remember my high school teacher telling me what a wimp I was for not being able to lift enough. But, see, with the program put together by an actual professional, I learned that the correct amount of weight isn't "the most you can possibly lift", and certainly not, as high school weight training would imply, "more than anyone else in the class" it's "enough to challenge you when performing 30 reps over the entire range of motion while keeping your back straight, and moving the weight smoothly without jerking it."
I'm 39 years old, and I'm just now learning physical education.
From a web site.
So, to my high school PE teacher, I want to point out that I've shied away from formalized physical activity for over 20 years, in large part due to your teaching. Now, I'm not blaming you for making me overweight. I'm well aware that my life is a result of my own choices. As is my decision to get in shape now. And besides, as my friend's mother used to say, "How old do you have to be before your life is your own fault?"
I just wanted to point out to you, sir, that I am capable of learning. I am doing so now, and I'm enjoying it. And, aside from being a little overweight and completely untoned, I'm overall a reasonably healthy, happy, and successful person.
And you, sir, are a bad teacher. It took me until today to realize that, but it's true.
I thought of looking you up online to see whatever became of you, but I honestly can't remember your name.
It put together a standard cardio plus weight training plan. Each weight training day focuses on a different muscle group. Today's workout included bicep curls. I remember these from high school, which is the last time I lifted weights regularly. Well, it's not actually true that I remember these. I remember trying to do curls, and I remember my high school teacher telling me what a wimp I was for not being able to lift enough. But, see, with the program put together by an actual professional, I learned that the correct amount of weight isn't "the most you can possibly lift", and certainly not, as high school weight training would imply, "more than anyone else in the class" it's "enough to challenge you when performing 30 reps over the entire range of motion while keeping your back straight, and moving the weight smoothly without jerking it."
I'm 39 years old, and I'm just now learning physical education.
From a web site.
So, to my high school PE teacher, I want to point out that I've shied away from formalized physical activity for over 20 years, in large part due to your teaching. Now, I'm not blaming you for making me overweight. I'm well aware that my life is a result of my own choices. As is my decision to get in shape now. And besides, as my friend's mother used to say, "How old do you have to be before your life is your own fault?"
I just wanted to point out to you, sir, that I am capable of learning. I am doing so now, and I'm enjoying it. And, aside from being a little overweight and completely untoned, I'm overall a reasonably healthy, happy, and successful person.
And you, sir, are a bad teacher. It took me until today to realize that, but it's true.
I thought of looking you up online to see whatever became of you, but I honestly can't remember your name.
