At R.J. Reynolds, you can frequently find students hard at work in their core subjects and in the numerous faceted programs that teach students how to be well-rounded; however, students have also been improving their physical fitness, away from the rudimentary PE classes. R.J. Reynolds weightlifting class allows students to improve themselves in a way that deviates from the classroom.

“Weightlifting teaches athletes so much, and we work on so many different things and improve the functionality of your body,” Davidyock said. “Flexibility, agility, stamina, strength, and power all come down to the weight room. You really can’t build those attributes anywhere else.”

The things students can improve in the weight room, while at such a young age will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Students who take this class can build a strong knowledge of the gym and learn the fundamentals of fitness.

“If you are not an athlete, it’s just a lifestyle that will stick with you for the rest of your life,” Davidyock said.“It will keep you consistent with exercising and taking care of your body.”

It is apparent that students who are not athletes will still seek major benefits from this class. But what about the student-athletes? Is this class a waste of their time?

“The football players benefit because they are getting bigger, faster, stronger, and also experiencing comradery with their teammates,” Davidyock said. “It’s also another opportunity for me as a coach to be with the players since I don’t really get to see them at all during the day.”

The football players can build comradery, while also forming a stronger connection with their coach during this class period. Not only are students and student-athletes finding major benefits in the gym, but they are also building their confidence outside of the gym.

“Weightlifting might be the best class of the day for some students because they know they will find success in it.” Davidyock said, “It’s not Math or English; it’s not the stuff they really have to study for. It’s constant repetitions of learning how to hang clean, bench, squat, and other stuff like that.”

The weightlifting class allows students who may not shine in the classroom to maximize their athletic potential, while also learning a wide range of invaluable skills. Many students who take the gym seriously on their own time can find benefits from the weightlifting class.

“Davidyock incorporates many difficult exercises that I would not push myself to do on my own,” R.J.Reynolds varsity lacrosse player Finn Hosey said. “Coach Davidyock requires us to do front squats in his workouts, which are very hard.”

Coach Davidyock pushes his athletes very hard, allowing them to become the best version of themselves. Davidyock really enjoys teaching this class; his passion encourages his students to work harder.

“I enjoy the competition piece; I think we need more of that at our school,” Davidyock said. “ I enjoy seeing the kids compete, I like seeing how much they can bench, who has the best squat, or who has the best form.”

This class has taught many students the importance of weightlifting and competing with others. There are no negatives to weightlifting; there are only benefits to be found from the class.

“Students should take the class because you’re going to have much more fun in it than a lot of the other stressful classes students are enrolled in.” Davidyock said, “Big kid, little kid, everyone can benefit from this class.”

The weightlifting class has encouraged many students and taught them how to build their work ethic outside of the classroom. Undoubtedly, learning in the classroom is essential, but you can only better yourself from the skills you learn in weightlifting class.