District 228 Stays Fit Together Through COVID-19

Everyone who knows Cassie Gaines, knows that she loves to work out. Her dedication to a healthy life-style and physical exercise is evident in her physical education classes at Tinley Park High School and Bremen High School. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Cassie suddenly found herself missing her “workout buddies” which include Tinley Park High School teachers Geri Kizior, Tom Kierny, and Chad Robson.

Everyone who knows Cassie Gaines, knows that she loves to work out. Her dedication to a healthy life-style and physical exercise is evident in her physical education classes at Tinley Park High School and Bremen High School. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Cassie suddenly found herself missing her “workout buddies” which include Tinley Park High School teachers Geri Kizior, Tom Kierny, and Chad Robson.

Initially, the idea launched as a simple Google Classroom where the four teachers shared workout routines and results.

“It kept us accountable and motivated,” says Gaines. “We invited a handful of motivated teachers and students to join in the fun, some students even created workouts of the day!”

Then, this "classroom" combined with Cassie’s remote learning "classrooms" rolled out the idea of going live for all.

“I wanted to keep my classes and workout buddies motivated,” Gaines explains. “I love to work out and I missed my crew, so why not go live and dominate together?”

So far, Gaines has led nine live 30-40 minute workouts. She leads her sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm. The sessions focus on bodyweight high intensity interval training and participants can burn an average of 350 calories per session.

Kelsey Neylon is a teacher at District 228's Alternative Education Program and has participated in almost all of the workout sessions so far. She says, "Cassie creates the workouts and leads us through them. She motivates us throughout and holds us accountable."

Currently, Gaines shares her live workout sessions with all four of her remote learning classrooms and a handful of teachers. Nevertheless, she says she would love to expand and welcomes all District 228 students and staff to her sessions. Interested participants can reach out to her at cgaines@bhsd228.com for more information.

Additionally, District 228 hopes to soon have recorded sessions available for community members. Once ready, the district will post weekly recordings to its website at www.bhsd228.com.