Twice a week, 25 Hudson Falls students come to school at 6:40 AM to participate in the Zero Block Strength & Conditioning PE class in the fitness center. This program – newly started for the 2022-2023 school year – is a class that teaches strength, mobility, and body-composition training, and has also helped to build a positive school culture. It is taught by physical education teacher Chris Doody, and has the full support of Athletic Director Ryan Carpenter.
Carpenter is pleased to have the opportunity to expand the physical education program available in the Hudson Falls Schools: “We’ve seen other schools implement this program and have success with it, and we wanted to build not just a zero block, but a whole strength and conditioning program. It integrates a number of dimensions into our physical education curriculum. We are seeing improvements in our students’ physical and mental well-being. They are developing lifelong knowledge and skills and recognizing the value it has for not only their athletics, but their overall health” he said.
Chris Doody is a Hudson Falls Alumni. His goals for strength and conditioning align with the district’s mission to provide broad opportunities for students to grow and reach their potential: “This class is for students with an above average interest in fitness” Doody said.
Zero Block offers students a new dimension to their physical education, and students have a variety of motivations for participating in the program – students who had previously been reluctant in the standard PE class have now found success in the weight room, and students who play sports participate to improve their competitiveness.
Senior Chris Simmons’ motivation was to get to gym more often, and Zero Block created the perfect opportunity: “It’s worth it … but, you’ve got to have discipline to get to it” Simmons said; he has lost 20 pounds since starting the class. Junior Seneca Williamson – a three sport athlete who runs cross-country, and plays basketball and lacrosse – is taking the class to improve her performance. She has found that since starting in September, she is stronger and “more explosive” as an athlete.
Each class starts with some type of multidirectional speed work – the students have sprint races, and play mini-games of tag. “We start each class with competitive mini games that not only get us warmed up, but also help us become more explosive in our athletic events.” Doody said.
A.D Carpenter is pleased with the program: “Chris has done a good job getting kids to buy into his program and the philosophy around strength training and conditioning” Carpenter said.
Hudson Falls is also dedicated to helping the community become more physically fit – the fitness center is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday nights, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
For more information, please visit hfcsd.org.
