With the arrival of new workout machines, students have decided to take their fitness to the next level. The freshly fitted weight room has become a haven for athletes throughout school. Located on the the second floor, the weight room sports the necessities for anyone looking to get fit. The weight room provides use of machines such as the chin-up assist, bicycle station, and biceps curl.

P.E. teacher Michael Chan offers a fitness program in the weight room from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm every Wednesday as part of the Educare program at school. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, LAHSA Coordinator Manny Poole also hosts a fitness program. Both of their programs have attracted dedicated individuals. “Some [students] are really into working out. They even want to stay after,” Chan said.

For some, it’s about more than just getting fit. Junior Manuel Carrillo draws his motivation from the Japanese animation Dragon Ball Z. “Ever since I saw DBZ, I wanted to become strong,”  says Carrillo. Rather than becoming pompous, he volunteers his own time and knowledge in helping others get in great physical shape.  Carrillo’s energy has become contagious. This becomes immediately evident upon entering the room.Unlike in a P.E. class, students in the weight room are self-motivated and what they strive for goes well beyond a letter grade. Whatever the motivation, all the students have one goal in mind, push their bodies to the limit. To achieve this, they are willing to extol tremendous amounts of determination, often sweating until they can no longer continue. It is this spirit that entices students from all over the school.  

As the after school activity becomes increasingly popular, students desire a more extensive facility.

“There isn’t enough equipment to workout,” junior Nestor Hernandez explained. In a considerably small room, most days it can get crowded. “Typically, there are anywhere from 30-40 kids in the room,” Chan explained. To cope with the issue, athletic director Edwin Lopez is planning on acquiring additional machines such as an elliptical machine. Nonetheless, Mr. Chan encourages students from all schools and grades to visit the weight room and give it a try.