Did you have to take a gym class in high school? I think the girls had to take it at least once a week, but I really don't remember. I, on the other hand, had gym class . . . starting in elementary school!!
Since I was a Navy kid, PT was a requirement . . . guess they figured if the Navy guys had to endure it, their kids would have to as well. In addition to the usual pull-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, and push-ups, we were made to rope climb. The ropes were thick and abrasive . . . made of jute or manila hemp . . . some had large knots tied about every 4-5 feet . . . others had no knots which made the climb even harder! These ropes hung from the ceiling of the gym, and the boys were expected to climb to the very top while the girls only had to go halfway . . . guess where I climbed!!
We also did regular "gym stuff" too: dodgeball, basketball, flag football, tug-of-war, four square, relay races, red rover, and kickball.
Dodgeball was rough . . . especially if you weren't well liked. I think they've pretty much outlawed it in school since it's nothing more than throwing a rubber ball . . . as hard as you can . . . at another person's body . . . sometimes leaving red marks . . . worse . . . welts! Funny thing though: my generation started forming adult dodgeball teams a few years ago . . . bringing this bloodsport back to life . . . tournaments are held across the country. I passed on that since I didn't like it much as a kid.
For gym class though, by the time we reached middle school, we had to "dress out" which meant we had clothes specifically designed for gym class . . . so you could get dirty and sweaty and not ruin your street clothes. In my lifetimes, those gym clothes consisted of polyester shorts and a t-shirt (like the third photo), but some of the gym clothes worn in the past were ridiculous looking!!
Maybe you'll have gym class . . . maybe you won't. Maybe you'll get to wear fashionable gym clothes . . . maybe you won't. Either way, I sure hope like hell that schools decide to let you kids play outside a whole lot more!! You need to stay active either way!
No comments:
Post a Comment