What works is setting priorities

Instead of giving into exhaustion when the school day ends, many Santa Maria High School teachers head for the gym to replenish their energy.

They don't have to pay monthly dues or even leave the campus. Their private gym is the school's weight room. Used for physical education classes during school hours, it offers a variety of machines to help them stretch and strengthen their bodies as well as increase cardiovascular capacity.

Sometimes students join the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Faculty Association members who work out. However, on a recent Friday afternoon, exercise was strictly a "teachers only" event as the campus cleared of students who were eager to begin the weekend.

"Three or four years ago, I was getting ready to pick something up for a church function and my back went out," recalls math teacher Chris Paulus of his decision to get fit. "I started lifting weights because it's the easiest way to stay in shape - and I can do it at school. I haven't had back problems since. Last year, I benched 250; my goal is 300."

Janice Mouw, a physical education teacher, looks up from her book while pedaling 81 rotations per minute on the incline bicycle. "I get a lot of reading done here," she says. "I'm usually here three to four times a week. I don't have to pay to join a gym, and I'm here with friends."

Mouw says she feels much better since she started working out.

"Lifting weights helps me with the fat and sugar levels in my body. And the more I work out, the less I want to eat.

"I'm 51, and I can do heavier weights than the kids do. It makes me feel better and stronger. I don't go home at night feeling tired like I used to. The first few weeks after working out I was tired, but now I have all this energy every night. I guess you have to stay young when you are working with kids all day."

Teachers who exercise together tend to collaborate together, says Byron Jones. "For example, Chris and I continuously talk about math classes while we are exercising. And it's nice to talk to those who teach other subjects. High school can be so compartmentalized that you can lose sight of what goes on elsewhere in the school. Sometimes we share thoughts on how students are performing in various classes and talk about ways to help them. There is a sense of camaraderie here."

The group has encouraged other teachers to exercise, but the usual excuse is, "I don't have time" because of paperwork, coaching and clubs.

"It's a matter of priorities," says Gaylen Clark, who prefers playing softball and racquetball and walking briskly around the campus - and neighborhood - for exercise.

"We have to take care of ourselves. I think I'm important. My well-being depends on my doing what's best for me, my family and my students. And that means taking care of me."

Clark, a math teacher, says she finds serenity and time for introspection while walking. "I like the quietness," she says. "It gives me time to think. And playing team sports makes me happy. We may be adults, but even adults need time to play."