Many new things are occurring here in Felix Varela Senior High. Most of those things are concerning our school’s Physical Education Department.
    To start off with, Personal Fitness, Team Sports, and Weight Training classes  are trying out new fitness programs at the start of every class. “Insanity” is a series of workouts directed by athlete Shaun T. (from Hip Hop Abs).
    This program is based on a person’s will power, and one will only achieve as much as they give out. “Insanity” works differently from most workout programs, seeing how one does long periods of intense workouts followed by short periods of rest, instead of the usual long periods of rest followed by short periods of intense workouts.
    Workouts in this video consist of a combination of cardiovascular and muscular exercises that, in the end, workout every part of the body. The workout sessions tend to range from 30–45 minutes, and have exercises like “Side to Side Push,” “Jumping Jacks” and “Sprints.”
    Although it is said to be one of the toughest workouts of today, our school has still decided to use it in our fitness programs. Grades are based on participation, not on whether or not a student can do all the exercises. Therefore, don’t worry, students - there is nothing to fear as long as you try your best.
    A program called “P90x” is also being used. “P90x” is similar to “Insanity” but with variations. “P90x” uses dumbbells and a technique called ‘Muscle Confusion.”
    This technique switches and introduces new workouts on a constant basis so that your muscles don’t become accustomed to a certain workout. Varsity sports like football, basketball and soccer are using these programs to help with conditioning.
    “It’s an intense workout,” said senior Mark Tapia, middle linebacker of Varela’s football team.
    “I’d recommend it to people at home,” said P.E. teacher and baseball coach John Barbato.
    The goal at this point is to try and continue usage of these programs throughout the year.
    Something else occurring in the Department this year is the placement of a new track. The existing track was deteriorating and becoming a safety hazard. Hopefully,+ the track will be in place and ready for use by mid-November.
    To further the health and wellness of students here at school, the Health and Fitness Club, advised by Coach Paula Fitzpatrick, will start meeting every Tuesday and Thursday in room 354 after school.