From writing the hook of an essay to throwing a right hook, English teacher Cheryl Ogolin spends her days in the classroom and her evenings in the gym.

“It’s such a community feel, everyone is there for the same reason and no one is being judged,” Ogolin said. “We’re just taking care of our bodies, taking care of our minds and finding connections with other people that we may never cross paths with in another situation. It’s such a rewarding experience that I get to lead [participants] through.”

Ogolin’s classes take place at Club Fitness through the Les Mills program, which encourages people to enjoy fitness and staying active. Her classes focus on supporting and encouraging her students to do their best.  She has used these lessons to help her students in both of her classrooms.

“I have learned more about being a good classroom teacher from teaching at the gym than I have learned about being a good fitness instructor from being a classroom teacher,” Ogolin said. “[Kickboxing] really made me recognize that some of the things that I was expecting from my students at school shouldn’t have been the expectations that I had for them because everyone learns differently.”

Fellow English teacher Julianne Crockett has worked with Ogolin for over a year. She attended one of Ogolin’s weightlifting classes in April. In this class, they completed a series of repeated  workout sets to target the upper, lower and full body. 

“Ms. Ogolin is a teacher through and through,” Crockett said. “Whether she is facilitating learning in the classroom or in the gym, her energy, compassion and zest for life creates an engaging atmosphere wherever she goes.” 

Anthony Zhao (11) took Ogolin’s Advanced Literary Analysis class during second semester last year, which he described as joyful and relaxed. 

“Ms. Ogolin never discouraged meaningful discussion from her students,” Zhao said. “Even regarding the most outlandish references and questions, she would be truly interested in what we tried to say and participate in our joy with us. She never put down, only nurtured.”

Ogolin’s kickboxing and weight lifting classes have transformed both her and her students. By creating an environment where they both can thrive, she has become a better teacher.

“There’s such a spiritual experience doing this,” Ogolin said. “I know that sounds crazy, but when I’m up on stage and I’m watching [my kickboxing students] work so hard, we’re all there for a shared mission to make ourselves feel better and to have fun. It’s a total party experience.”