Bulking Up

1 April 2012Rachael K

Who says males are the only ones allowed to have bulging muscles?

In the Girls Weight Room we females take bulking up seriously…to a point. Unlike the Brentwood boys (who seem to want their biceps to bulge right through their shirts), we females tend to prefer a leaner look, one which showcases a healthy, toned physique.

Under the guidance of experienced kinesiologist and coach, Mrs. Tanya Scheck-Tyler, this look can be achieved…with hard work on our parts, of course. With her detailed instructions, motivational pep-talks, and unique program rotations, junior and seniors alike are assisted in their toning and strengthening routines every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon.

Exercise programs have been a part of human life since the dawn of civilization. Building up muscle through resistance training was incorporated into the combat training programs of the ancient Romans, Grecians, and Indians in the hopes of creating physically superior soldiers. The Roman Campus, located between three of Rome’s seven hills, was an ancient track and field arena where young men played athletic games before retiring to the Roman Baths. Exercise was one of the most important factors of this legendary culture, and now, seemingly all around the world, these old-fashioned routines are manifest in a major component of the modern era’s ‘healthy lifestyle’.

At Brentwood, Mrs. Scheck-Tyler, a health and exercise enthusiast, incorporates certain aspects of Roman training into our sports days…without the combat training, of course.
After graduating from the University of Victoria, Mrs. Scheck-Tyler transformed her textbook, academic passions into a career when she entered the Brentwood athletic faculty in 2003. Along with Weight Training, Mrs. Scheck-Tyler also participates in the Varsity Training Program (training for Brentwood’s most competitive athletes), the Physical Therapy rotation, and the Brentwood Girls Volleyball program, using her UVic varsity volleyball experience to help bring our girls to the top levels of athleticism.

Her Level II National Coaching Certification in volleyball doesn’t hurt her resume, either.

Along with a variety of machines in the girls’ weight room, Mrs. Scheck-Tyler routinely supplements her classes with both strength training workouts and circuit training. In the words of our fearless leader, Strength Training workout are used to “increase strength and endurance of specific muscle groups”, while Circuit Training provides an “efficient way to simultaneously improve mobility, strength and conditioning".

Also involved in Rehabilitation, Mrs. Scheck-Tyler helps many of the girls enrolled in her program to overcome injury. Knee, shoulder, and ankle injuries tend to be the most common, and Mrs. Scheck-Tyler is able to personalize workouts for everyone to suit their needs. Exercises using balls, free-weights, and balance beams can tone everyone into tip-top shape, which is extremely beneficial if one wants to be a competitive athlete.

Even though Weight Training is not a competitive sport, we all have problems catching our breaths by the end of the block – just as if we’d been running around on a soccer pitch or rugby field. The period is really a way to release pent-up frustrations, burn off some calories, and complete something physically productive. The chiseled arms and legs don’t hurt, either.

I always look forward to sports days because I know I’ll be able to get a good work out, and see one of my favorite teachers on campus.

Who could ask for a better combination than that?

Rachel K