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Home » Exercise Programs » Maryland Teachers Learn to Fight Stress With a Healthier Lifestyle – Voice of America

BALTIMORE

Teaching is a stressful profession. A 2014 survey found that nearly half of U.S. teachers say they experience a lot of daily stress. That affects their health, well-being, and job satisfaction.

Jayne Donohoe is out to change that, with exercise. The physical education teacher at Gunpowder Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland, notes that physical activity produces endorphins chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and also improves the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

She organized a Teachers Fitness group at her school, which meets after the days classes and offers a variety of exercise classes.

Today were doing Bodyflow which is like a yoga-Pilates-type class. Before that we had a step aerobics class, or we had a Bootcamp, she said. We all come from a variety of shapes and sizes and fitness levels. If I can get them to show up, I can usually keep them in here. Thats probably the hardest part because they are tired. I tell them Youre tired. Once you come here and exercise, its going to give you energy. I started my workday at 7 a.m., so its a long day for me, but I know its important. So Im here.

Watch: Teaching Teachers a Healthier Lifestyle

Keep Teachers Healthy

Many workplaces in the area offer similar programs. But Jenny Ward, spokeswoman for Baltimore County Public schools Employee Wellness, says they are especially important for teachers.

They do have a very specific job during the day and theyre really tied to their classrooms with their students. They dont have as much free time or flexibility in their day, she said. So its more difficult for them to schedule physical activity in their day, which is why we offer classes after work. So, as soon as the students left, they can change to their fitness attire and go to the gym with all of their coworkers who participate.

The program is a big hit. It draws teachers from nearby schools, and theyre not all women.

We have three men teachers, Donohoe said. One was staying today, but when the class got changed to Bodyflow instead of Bootcamp, he decided to go to his gym. The two other teachers are not interested yet. But Ill get them, dont you worry!

Exercise and be happy

Gunpowder Principal Wendy Cunningham has watched attendance rise since Donohoe started the program a year and half ago.

The teachers are excited to be together, to exercise, to support one another, to be healthy and maintain healthy habits, she said. Learning about how to manage stress has been extremely important. That is helping them to be more productive, be more positive in the classroom and have a lot more patience with all students every day, Cunningham added.

Its very important for stress reduction, for just making you feel better about yourself, Donohoe said.

Participating teachers agree. Third-grade teacher Ashley Schuchardt says being part of this group makes exercising more fun.

Really, its the people, she said. They are a great support team. They really help you after a really long day. They help you keep going. Im not a person who loves exercise, but they really make it fun. So I keep coming back week after week.

Eating right

Exercise is only one component of Donohoes Wellness program. Good nutrition is another.

We have a weight loss healthy teachers program that I also organize, she said. We meet once a week. I bring in guest speakers on motivation and nutrition. Weve been doing that since last year. Weve lost over 300 pounds (136 kg), 18 of us, and you feel better and healthier, and youre drinking more water and youre eating better.

Employee Wellness spokeswoman Jenny Ward is excited about the prospects for the program.

Were happy to say we have more teachers and staff participating than we have before, she said. But its still not high enough. We still have quite a few more staff that we try to get involved in healthy eating, healthy activity, stress management, and all components of wellness.

Ward hopes to see every school offering on-site fitness classes at the end of the workday in Baltimore and beyond.

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Maryland Teachers Learn to Fight Stress With a Healthier Lifestyle - Voice of America

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Home » Exercise Programs » Maryland Teachers Learn to Fight Stress With a Healthier Lifestyle – Voice of America