3 months ago
CHEVY CHASE, Maryland (WUSA)-- It can be difficult for teachers to find time for fitness.
Just ask Betty Lou McQuade a third grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament School. She says. "It's hard to keep in shape when they're cupcakes coming around the room."
That's why, for McQuade, hula hooping is her way of working in exercise during the day.
"I did bring my hula hoop into the classroom and the kids loved it."
Still, it can be difficult for teachers to find a few moments for fitness.
9NEWS NOW's health team decided to introduce DC personal trainer, and fitness dynamo, Laurent Amzallag, to several of the teachers at Blessed Sacrament. Even Principal Chris Kelly couldn't resist.
Principal Kelly recalls when he was a teacher that it's easy "To give it up for your job and you don't really have the time to stay as fit as you'd like."
Laurent says there are, "So many different exercises that teachers can do to strengthen their muscles, second to keep energy levels up all day and also to lower stress levels."
To start off the morning Laurent suggests taking 15 minutes and finding a stairwell.
Laurent says take it slow, by using only, "Two stairs at a time to work your quads. It's gonna work your butt, it's gonna work your calf and all major muscles of the lower body."
Next, what about midday when students are away for lunch and recess?
Laurent says by using the blackboard and doing chest presses, "We're working the triceps, working the chest, working the shoulders and working the core."
Other quick exercises techniques while class is in session:
-Classroom desk: With your backside in front of the desk, dip and then push yourself up.
-Next, barbells for books. Books can be used for extra weights while you do a few lunges, which Laurent says works all the major muscles of the lower body from the quads, hamstring and bottom.
Written By: Lauren Vance 9NEWS NOW
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