Elizabethtown College offers a large variety of different courses and programs. Some are specific to liberal arts while others focus more on the sciences and mathematics.

These classes and programs can consume student’s time, as the struggle to stay on top of class work is always present. However, there is another factor to the college life that has been encouraged for students to acknowledge since their first year: exercise.

Etown not only runs exercise programs like pound and yoga but also offers one- or two-credit courses through the department of physical education. The current chair of physical education is Nancy Latimore. By having courses that offer physical education, the department hopes to prepare and provide students with the skills to dedicate themselves to a lifetime routine of physical activity and health where they can achieve individual fulfillment.

When a student takes a PE course, he or she can expect to create  a more positive attitude toward physical fitness and health. While taking one of the courses offered they will also be taught skills on discipline and developing goals to which they can commit. This includes goals in team sports as well as social and moral standards such as sportsmanship and teamwork, which are useful characteristics that can be applied to the workforce. The classes also teach stress awareness of both beneficial and harmful health practices as they relate to the physical health and quality of life of students.

The physical education classes are also a great physical health outlet for students who wish to exercise at a convenient time while earning credits. The classes offered count for either one and two credits. Some of the classes that are offered are bowling, yoga and tennis.

Ethan Weber, a sophomore, is one of 19 students taking an aerobics course with Gayle Gearhart, an adjunct faculty member in the department of physical education. The class by itself is worth one credit. However, Weber says he wishes to continue to take PE classes until he reaches the maximum amount of credits attainable, four.

The aerobics class is held on Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. A single day of class consists of various types of activities. Weber said the group of student’s works on muscle training and conditioning. When muscle training the class utilizes weights as well as a step system.

The aerobic step system consists of various different motions and physical tasks revolving around an elevated platform.

Weber thoroughly enjoys his aerobics course and looks forward to continuing his advancement in the physical education courses. He explains how he would be highly interested in taking the horseback riding course that is indicated in the physical education course catalog.

He highly recommends these courses to his peer students. When asked why he recommends courses in the physical education department Weber said, “For some people that are maybe not as physically active, it’s a good way for them to get out there and exercising.”