By Tyler Conrad ’17
THE ROUNDUP
Students who are heavily involved with academic and extra-curricular activities say they have a hard time maintaining balancing healthy habits while also retaining a commitment to grades.
Clubs and commitments like speech and debate, theatre and robotics, have rigorous, commitment-required schedules.
Tucker Brown ’17, who has competed on the Speech and Debate team since his freshman year, is one example of a committed student balancing multiple priorities everyday.
“Speech and debate starts at 3:00 and generally lasts until 4:30-5:00 ish,” Brown said, “So I get home about 5:00-5:30 and am doing homework by 6:00 at the latest. On a good day, I will be done with homework by 1 [A.M.].”
Brown, who is in Advanced Placement English and U.S. History courses, may not be an unusual case in Brophy’s over-achieving community. Many students have full days of school, extra-curricular commitments, long hours of homework and finally sleep. With so much going on, some students wonder where they can find the time to maintain good shape.
Jack Toolan ’17, who is involved with the theatre community, agrees that at some point, something has to give.
“During “You Can’t Take it With You” rehearsals I sometimes wouldn’t get home before 7 or 8, then I had to eat and do my homework,” Toolan said.
Brown and Toolan both find some way to incorporate their health when they can, even if it is sporadic.
“I’d like to say I do very simple workout stuff when I can,” Brown said. “For example: push ups and sit ups in the morning. But in all reality, I don’t have time. I don’t like it, but it’s the truth.”
In addition to workout regimes, food intake is also often comprised as part of a daily schedule. During busy processes, getting food that is quick and cheap may not always be the healthiest option.
“If I’m up late, I’ll sometimes eat snacks like tortilla chips or popcorn or something,” Brown said
Weight lifting coach Mr. Joe Denk said that even in these tightly jammed schedules, students can make slight modifications to stay healthy.
“The best thing to do is make sure you keep moving,” Denk said. “Sitting in a desk for 10 hours a day can be bad news. Walk around during practices and while studying to keep blood flow moving.”
Mr. Denk said there are other ways to maintain a healthy diet during the week.
“On a Sunday night, or whichever day you have the time, set about an hour aside and make meals for the upcoming week,” he said. “The most important thing is to make sure you have food prepared in advance. When it’s late you’re tired and hungry and have nothing to eat, that’s when you give in to [unhealthy] cravings like fast food.”