Over the summer, OP Fitness Club Administrator Mr. Maybe led a strength and conditioning course for incoming freshmen and sophomores in the Fitness center. This course focused on the proper fundamentals and etiquette when in the gym, teaching basic, formative exercises, and crafting workouts specifically catered to an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Over the duration of the course, participants developed a comfortability in the weight room, added strength, and formed a healthier lifestyle. This introductory clinic provided the perfect background to lead new students into a fit new school year and set them up to join Oratory’s healthiest club, the OP Fitness Club.

For anybody looking to lose weight, become faster or stronger, or just improve their overall health, the OP Fitness Club, colloquially known as OP 60, might just be the perfect opportunity to become more fit. The club meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 7-8 in the fitness center to work out, discuss healthy lifestyle improvements, and work with and push each other to be the best version of themselves. The club is open to everyone, regardless of weight room experience or any athletic experience. Members are able to perform a specifically provided workout based on their fitness goals, exercise with their friends or teammates, or enjoy a workout on their own.

The club emphasizes exercise in addition to nutrition, and how important eating proper macronutrients before and after working out is essential to making progress towards your personal health goals. To remain consistent with the club’s emphasis, protein bars are provided to members after working out to enhance muscle recovery, repair, and strength. The importance of sleep is also stressed by the club, as our bodies do their most recovery while sleeping. Without proper sleep, muscles cannot be properly repaired, and you’ll be left without the energy needed to get in a good workout.

Last year, the Fitness Club held a powerlifting competition in the winter in which several participants from different grades attempted to lift as much weight as they could in the 3 major lifts: Bench Press, Barbell Back Squat, and Deadlift. This event was a success as 2 new personnel were awarded to the OP 750 Club by lifting at least 750 pounds in the 3 aforementioned lifts. The club is aiming to repeat this same competition later this winter and is looking to have its first member join the 1000 pound club. If you or any of your friends are interested in becoming healthier or “getting swole” as the kids these days like to say, feel free to come to one of the meetings/workouts Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7-8 in the morning.