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15 Minutes Of EXCERSIZE?!
Okay so my state (TN) has decided to mandate that every student K-12 get 90 minutes of excersize a week. Well they are using our homeroom time at my school to do just that. I think it is incredibly stupid because its not the school's responsibility to tell us what to do as far as excersizing goes. It is so damn retarded I can hardly stand it. I HATE coming to school now. OMG as if it wasnt bad enough LETS THROW IN SOME EXCERSIZE!!! Plus my homeroom teacher is strict with the rules, so if we dont do these excersizes every morning, she will write us up. I dont feel like I can talk to her because she wont understand. And I cant sit there and object while everyone else is doing it because that will draw negative attention to me. I get enough attention as it is for being fat. And thats not the reason I dont want to do the excersizes. It's just that 15 minutes is a long time for someone who is as heavy as I am and its embarassing to have my fat jiggle around for the whole freaking class to watch and laugh at. I would much prefer to excersize in PRIVACY where I dont have to worry about what I look like. High school is bad enough as it is. I think this is pure torture and I really want to refuse to do it. But I dont want to bring negative attention to myself. WHAT SHOULD I DO???? and what is your opinion on our new state law??
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Well I think its a good idea because most kids need to get healthy... but if it happened to me I probably would hate the idea. Haha. I would hate it if it was in the begining of the day. But at least you know the school cares about your well being.
Please don't call yourself fat. Fat is such an ugly word and I'm sure you are a beautiful person in some way. I'd love to tell you that nobody would be looking at your "fat jiggle" but I'm sure they will be looking at everyone in the room to compare them to themselves. Every one has some fat on them and it all jiggles so it doesnt really matter. When you are doing your exersizes think about how you might lose a little weight from it (even though you dont need it) and it might make you feel happier
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In my school [NY, Westchester], they started this whole new "whole wheat, no sugar" food. Its SOOO ANNOYING! we have like Luna energy bars as our snack food, we used to have delicious slushies, cookies, everything, now we have reduced fat stuff. I just graduated middle school, i don't know how i'm going to take like 4 more years of this disgusting food. And i hate packing food because the bread gets all moist and gross with like balonga sandwiches.
If we go outside for "recess" we have to attend a sport, which is bullshit [sorry, i had to say it] because if it is a nice day, don't you just want to sit in the grass? It's ridiculously annoying.
If i were you, i would talk to the guidence, or the nurse, and talk this out.. start a petition! make a statement that you dont feel comfortable working out in HOMEBASE when you could be using that for missed homework/social stuff, studies!
Sorry i didnt really help, i just wanted to prove that it is ridiculous.
xox
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Its funny, how teachers will encourage us in excercise than in health. Don't know the difference? The difference between burning fat/ keep it off and burn fat/gain it back. They sell things that cause bad health, yet they give excercise. It's not properly handled
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I don't think that 15 minutes of mandatory exercise is a bad idea. However... I'm curious about how well this plan was thought-out and implemented by the schools. Because from what you've said... It doesn't sound like anyone took into account that 15 minutes of exercise can be strenuous and even hurt some students (not just obese, but asthmatic, cancer patients in remission, etc.) or that some students may be severly uncomfortable exercising in the classroom. (And I wonder really, how safe that is?)
If you feel uncomfortable you have every right to say so. And if you don't feel that your teacher will hear you out, try visiting your guidance counselor. Write down in advance why you feel uncomfortable and try to come up with possible solutions to the problem. When you present your situation to the guidance counselor do so in a courteous manner. (As much as you dislike the new law, it's not fair to take it out on an employee of the school. They probably didn't have much of a say in the matter either.)
If you feel that the guidance counselor doesn't adequately address your issues, it might be time to schedule an appointment with the principal. Don't be afraid to talk to your parents' about the issue and ask for their support.
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Personally, I think school is for learning and nothing more. If they America is too overweight, they should stop the manufacturing of fast foods and sodas which primarily cause the problems. I do not believe it is fair to a child to force them to exercise, plus this could put pressures on them as over weight students like you said. I could understand how it would be very embarressing as a heavy child to have to exercise in front of a teach and their peers.
I would talk to your friends, and write letters to your governers and principals. You could even start a petition, also talk to you parents maybe they can help too! In the meantime, just try to do as your told. Its the only way kids can survive in this world without constant punishment. I am so sorry you have to deal with this sort of odd reasoning at your school. But only you can make a difference if you're willing to speak out.
Good Luck<3
-Kymmy
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I can see why you are upset but I must say I think it's a brilliant idea. America has, I belive, the highest obesity rates in the world and this is their way of ensuring everybody's quality of life is improved.
Reading what you have said, your only real issue with the exercise is that your weight embarrasses you. If this is the case, you would most likely feel a lot better if you could lose some of that weight. This is their way of trying to help you to do that.
The bottom line is that you can't do anything about the exercise you have to do at school. You have to go to school to get a good education (or believe me you will live to regret it) and if that means 15 minutes of exercise a day, so be it. However, you can minimise the way it makes you feel. Take this as an opportunity to turn things around. Start exercising at home as well and start eating a healthier diet. Then watch the weight drop off and your confidence soar! When you can out-exercise so many other people in your class, you'll feel much happier in yourself. Just remember to take it easy and not do too much at once, or you'll give up at the first hurdle.
There are lots of tips on losing weight and getting healthy on the internet but I would strongly recommend that you speak to your doctor first about what you want to do, as if you are quite overweight, they will be able to help you get the assistance you need.
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First off, i disagree with you, this exercise law is actually a really great idea. and the fact that they put it with homeroom which is usually in the morning is also great. that way it helps get your bodies energized for the long day ahead of you, and a great way to deal with the weight problems.
the only complaint i have seen from you is that your self-concious about standing up in front of them to do the exercises. It seems like your main concern is standing in front of a bunch of people makes you uncomfortable.
im pretty no one is going to be staring at you or making fun of you, and if there r a few stupid kids, just ignore them.
you can really benefit from this 15 minutes, and when you start seeing the results you'll become more confident in yourself. i think you should just stick it out, and do it. if it becomes really unbearable and people actually do start giving you a hard time, then go to your homeroom teacher and talk to her. even tho she seems mean and strict, i'm sure she'll be understanding towards you (but thats only if you give the exercising a try).
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Just pretend it doesnt bother you just like alot of others do, remember your not the only one with ill feelings to yourself, others maybe clumsy, slow, or a hundred other reasons to down yourself.try to go along with it, but if you cant, ask your councelor, or teacher if you could do office work, or maybe clean up the school a little. Try to focus on a more positive you.Brie
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at my school we have 45minutes every other day and the only way you are exempt from it is if you're in a sport. if you did exercise in private and lost some weight then maybe you'd be more self confident so that 15 minutes wouldn't be so bad. its not that bad to begin with, it takes me longer to take a shower. i think you should just suck it up and do it. it's keeping you healthy. losing weight will get you positive attention.
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hey...
personally i think its a great idea, and i wish they would do it where i live. its a short amount of time and after a while it will get easier and easier. In today's world there are a lot of kids just sitting around watching tv or playing video games, which has a very negative effect on their physical health. I think you should learn to deal with it, as it doesnt seem like its going away...and just learn to have fun with it and ignore the laughing...they are just fools.
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Hey it's only 15 mins! I'm pretty sure they're not making you do extreme excercises in 15 mins like sit ups or something because it's in a classroom so it's alright.
The reason why they're doing this is because they know that it's not their responsibility and that it's yours. But some people aren't responsible.
Isn't that why you and others are in this mess right now?
And as you've said it, your teacher is really strict so she/he would probably yell at toher if they make fun of you.
If it makes you better better you can get a better experience by excersing regularly at home to get into more shape.
Trust me, fat or not, feelng the burn after just makes you feel great and that you achieved a goal. It kinda gains you confidence and makes you more comfortable to excercise in front of others if you were fit from it, wouldn't you agree?
Or you could talk about it to the principle to make you do it after school or soemthing, but I think you'd rather do it with the class or else kids will say means things about you because you're the only one in the class who gets to skip the excercise so it's better to deal with it.
The good thing is that, it's in the homeroom right? So isn't that you're first class in the morning so you'll only have to face it for 15 mins in one class and noone else will know about it since it's rare that many people are in your next class (and more rare all the same class as you) ?
I hope you're not offended or anything from my advice (I didn't mean to be) because some people that are my friends and that i know are...big, and they just participate for the fun. You just have to face it and suck it up like a man ;)
Maybe excercising with a friend beside you in class will make it easier and boost up your confidence. It does for me. And remember, you're not the ONLY fat person in class. I'm pretty sure others understand.
You won't draw negative attention from others on sharing your opinions to the class, as long as you keep your language in check. As far as I know, if it was me and someone voiced out the same opinions as me, that would make me gain confidence and participate.
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Self conciousness aside, its 15 minutes of exercise. It was implemmented because more than likely you arent going and doing it in privacy.
Just do it. Its not the end of the world, and to be honest most people will think worse of you if you refuse than if you participate.
Plus, its good practice for forcing yourself to do things you dont really want to do. Our generation has alot of problems with that kind of self control so its good to start working on it early.
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Honestly, I wish my school would make us do that! It would wake us all up in the morning AND we'd be getting 15 minutes of excercise! There's NO HARM in that at all..it's going to make you more fit. Plus, 15 minutes is NOTHING. What's 15 minutes of excercising per day going to hurt? I understand you're self conscious, but this 15 minute excercise thing should be a wake up call...and be honest with yourself, if the school didn't make you excercise everyday, would you REALLY do it at home? Sure, the first few days will go according to plan, but it will fall through unless you're REALLY serious about losing weight/getting in shape. The state is not "torturing" you; they are infact, HELPING you. No one is laughing at you because everyone has their own insecurities and don't you think they'd be worried about themselves too, rather than you? I think this new state law is FABULOUS, and I know it seems totally lame, but in the long run, it will be better for you, your classmates, your school, all the schools in your city, and practically your state. Obesity is something that is in 60% of Americans, and it is nice to know that the state is at least TRYING to take action to reduce those numbers.
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Look, you have no reason NOT to exercize. Fifteen minutes a day isn't a big deal AT ALL. It's a heck of a lot shorter than a gym class would be. You'll only benefit from 15 minutes of exercise a day. Your excuse for NOT exercizing is that you're self-conscious about being fat? If you work out/move for 90 minutes a week, you'd see an improvement in how you look.
If I were you, I'd stop complaining about it and just exercise for 15 minutes. You're acting as though your state is torturing you!! All they're doing is looking out for your health and trying to prevent obesity, which is a national epidemic if you haven't noticed. Just walk around or something for 15 minutes. It's not the end of the world.
-LM
[15/f]
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14/m
well, i think you should not care what they think and come into class with the "If you don't like me, well then fuck you" attitude and just act like you are the only one in the class.
I mean they will still tease you for a while but after time goes by the exercise will turn your body into a chisled work of art.
I went from 20 pounds over weight to a six pack that would make a beer can green with envy.
hope i helped
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to be honest i dont think its that bad, i love to exercise, talk to another teacher or principal or your mom or someone who can help.maybe they can work something out,
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This is the stupidest law I have ever heard of. Do they really think that 90 minutes a week is going to keep kids from getting fat? That law is a complete waste of time. If a kid wants to exercise, eat right and be skinny its not going to be the result of any law that is passed, and the other way around. I am completely against the government getting too involved in things they shouldn't.
As to what to do, just suck it up and do it. Its only 15 minutes and after a while it will get easier. You're right, if you refuse to do it it will only make things worse. The only way to get out of it is to get the law repealed.
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...this shouldn't be a part of your homeroom. We don't ha ve homeroom in California, but I get the concept.
If I were you, I'd protest, but I agree with the reasoning behind the law.
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Personally, I agree with your state's new law. I may not be the biggest fan of gym class, but it's a good thing that they are doing this.
The obesity epidemic is not just impacting the quality of life among adults in our nation, but among children too. Approximately 25 to 30 percent of adult obesity cases begin with childhood (pediatric) obesity74. A history of being overweight in childhood that persists into adulthood is associated with more severe complications of obesity later in life75. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, today about 15 percent of children and adolescents can be labeled as having childhood (pediatric) obesity in the U.S.76 The steadily increasing incidence of childhood (pediatric) obesity raises concern about the health of these youth as they approach adulthood."
(Information found at: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location))
As you can see from the paragraph above, at least 1/4, if not more, of people who struggle with obesity were obese as children. Therefore, by your state enforcing this new law, they will be cutting down on the amount of overweight adults.
Furthermore, whether you are overweight or not, excercise is extremely important. Studies have shown that excercise decreases stress levels in the human mind and realeases endorphins- working out causes a natural high!
(Want proof? Read this: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location))
Now, onto what you should do. Due to the fact this is a law, it would be illegal to try to get out of this without having some sort of medical problem. You may be embarrassed that your stomach jiggles when excercising, however, excercising will reduce this from happening. Stand towards the back of the room so no one can see you. And remember: the only reason people bring others down is because they are insecure with their own self.
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isn't that what gym class is for? you guys don't have that at your school? that's the gayest thing i've ever heard of.
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This is a shock coming from me, but I agree with the law, and I love it. I dislike gym, A LOT, but this is good for you. Why disagree with it?
Like the other people stated below, the state is doing this for kids like you. It may not be your fault for how you are [it could likely be your genetics], & you're probably just not motivated enough to exercise. If you do this routine every morning, you'll realize that it's easy & you like it, and it could possibly motivate you to do a routine like that at home.
The state isn't doing this to torture you & make you miserable. They're doing it to help you & other kids get healthy. They care - so why would you be pissed about it? Honestly, stop complaining. I had gym everyday last year, so I had to run the mile 4 times because I had two seperate gym classes which is why I had it everyday. 90 minutes of exercise is nothing to me. My classes are an hour each, so I had 5 hours of gym a week. So compared to my 5 hours, you'd rather have 90 minutes, right? Exactly.
Honestly though, you should be happy the state made this law. They're giving you the push you need & instead of complaining about how "embarassing" it is, you should be loving this. If you don't want people to laugh at you, sit in the back. I'm sure all the other big kids feel that way too, so you're not alone. But overall, the law is great & you should be embracing it instead of hating it.
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<< The person who said it is "your fault" for being big, is so wrong. Sometimes it is because of your parents, and your family that causes it...not just over eating.
I also think that the state law is stupid. 90 mins? I mean...yeah, I think people who can DO that much should do that. But you shouldn't do that much until your body is(And can) do it. Most people should get 15 to 30 mins of playing, running...yadda yadda.
Stand up for your rights, don't be afraid of standing up for what you believe in. And you won't have negative attention from you, unless people who love it and think the law is great might...but still.
XD Since everyone is giving quotes, I have one. "Live without regret" I dunno who said it, but it is true. If you don't say something, you are going to regret it later. Everone does at one point.
Raise your hand and say nicely to your teacher that you don't want to do it, and that you believe we(being your class mates and yourself) should do out own excersising(sp) at home, where we could do things that you we could do knowing we can do it. And doing something where your body isn't used to it(or can't do it) can hurt your body really bad, and you might pull something...which is not fun.
And like one person said, if you get in trouble, so what? Least you stood up for yourself. And if you get in trouble, explain nicely on why you don't like and just...say that you are going to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what.
I wish you good luck! Hope I helped! (XD Like Fred and George said in the Harry Potter book "Give her hell!" (Of course...there is a difference becuause they were saying that to a ghost...for a teacher being evil...but still!)
~Vera
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I totally do not agree with the person below me.
"They got themselves that way and now they complain about it to others."
That is one of the most disgusting and horrible things to say.
Some people aren't able to control their weight.
Like me, I was really reqally skinny in elementary school, then in 6th grade I gained a ton.
Now I'm back to being super skinny.
It's f*cking bullsh*t when someone tells you that Its "your fault".
I think the "law" is absolutely ridiculious. (sp?)
I think it should be up to the parents of the kids to tell them to exercise,
not the schools.
I would say that you should just do what you believe and "Fight For Your Right." (beastie boys song. lol)
If you dont want to exercise in front of the class,
then just refuse to not do it.
And if you do get in trouble?
So What????
At least you stood up for what you believe in and other students will probably want to do the same.
Hope I helped.
XCody*X
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To be frank, I think that your state law is a wonderful things. There are so much obesity going on, even in younger kids, that it's not even funny anymore. And not many people are willing to take steps to prevent it. Blame it on the kids. Blame it on the parents. Blame it on the school. Blaming won't do anything to prevent it.
At my school, we have gym every other day until you're in 9th grade and half of 10th grade. 1hr and 30min long, too, thank you very much. We run at least a mile, we do sports, weight lifting, gymnastics stuff, and various other exercises. Compared to that, having only 15min of "gym" time in school everyday is nothing.
And I'm getting the feeling that you don't want to do these exercises because you're "fat". Well, instead of complaining about people staring at you, why don't you just stand in the back, thus no one will likely turn around to stare at you. Also, since you are "fat", you should be thankful that they actually did put the law. It's going to help you with your jigglies. And it's going to get you that exercise you've deprived yourself. You're thinking that this is stupid and pure torture. But if you think about it, they're trying to help people who may not have an average body and prevent people from getting overweight. Not to torture little school kids.
I mean, seriously. Will you do exercise by yourself with no one to strictly tell you to do so? If you said yes to that, then you wouldn't be complaining right now about the law or people looking and making fun of you. If they make fun of you, F*CK THEM. They're stupid, immature, and not at all sensitive. You don't need to be put down by others because of the way you look.
"Be yourself. Don't take anyone's sh*t and never let them get you alive" - Gee Way
"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." Eleanor Roosevelt
Get up and do those 15min of exercise. It's not going to kill you and it will certainly bring you one step closer to a healthier life. Don't complain about what you brought on yourself.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
My forum with weight losing tips if you want to go look.
I know I sound harsh and b*tchy. But I'm just telling you my view on this.
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My state has always been the way your school is. But we have to have 60min a DAY. Our school explained to us that it was because a majority of our school was Obese.(i was over weight too) But no one really watches you work-out. I know it is hard to beilve but they don't. I was always concered about it but as i was running on the tredmill i looked around and no one was really watching me. They where to concered with themselves and what they were doing. Don't worry about!
Next time your lifting weights or running look around and you should see that no one is watching you.
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So as i see it your main concern isnt that you dont wanna exercise its that you dont want people to watch you do it. Well just go to your guidence cousolur( if you have one) or maybe a nurse or principal, sombody you can talk to and maybe set up a diferent time or a different room that you can do it so not everybody is watching.
hope it helps
jess<3
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Obesity is a growing issue in america.
Our law makers recognized this dilemma and obvioulsy took charge.
It's not so much the 15 minutes, its the push to get you motivated to lose the extra weight, so you CAN be comfortable around others, especially during exercize.
as it was said, you are one of the examples that allowed that law to be passed.
if you have a medical condition, however, that would be a REASON, not an excuse, to not be able to participate in that.
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well in my school you have 45 mins of exercising everyday.. so its worse. I don't want to sound rude but you are one of the reasons they have exercise.. If everyone was at a healthy weight this would not be an issue... but if you are saying you are "fat" then you aren't getting the exercise you need in "privacy" like you want and therefore you have to do it in school. Its for your health because without daily excersizing you face many many health risks. I work out and I am in decent shape so I like it because I know of many people who aren't. If you don't like to be made fun of for being fat... excersize and diet and with time you will lose weight
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well, if your so concerned on doing the excersises because your "fat" then do it! thats the reason why they're having the state do that, so students can be fit! not many kids have the time or motivation to excersise.
i kind of wish our state did that..
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Actually. I disagree with you. 80% of the US is fat. That is disgusting. I'm glad your state is finally taking action. And your school is trying to help you and your students be healthy. They are not doing this as a punishment. What is wrong with exercise? Its helping you be fit, and healthy. I can not believe that you are so lazy, that you are this upset about it. If you are fat, you should be happy about this. So then maybe you can burn some weight and be healthy. Why would you wanna be fat? And, whos fault is it, that you are fat? Its yours. No one elses. I'm sorry you get picked on, but its own fault, that you're fat. And, well geez excuse your school, for TRYING TO HELP YOU. I mean really. stop being so whiny. Stop being so lazy. I think that is a great new state law. I think you should suck it up, and start working on being more healthy.
Sorry if it isn't what you wanted to hear, but its the truth.
After reading what some of the people later on said after me, I have a little more to say. I think ductape & roses or whatever, said things practically perfectly. and is right on alot of what they said. I agree with some of the people above me on how they said, 'you could have had it gentically, or its your parents fault'
However, you are in highschool now. You are hopefully, alot more mature now, and can realize, that your fatness, is your own fault now. Yes, when you were a child, you didn't realize anything was wrong with you. But, as you've gotten older, I'm sure you realize your weight is a problem. So, you should be quite happy with this law, that someone is trying to help you. I don't think you should listen to half the people below me, who said things on how to get excuses out of it. Thats really sad, that you cannot do 15 minutes of exercise a day. If you are soo worried about people staring at you, then go in the back. If anyone turns around and looks at you and laughs, just glare at them, they are just immature losers.
If you are not happy with your weight, then it is your job to change it. No one elses. My school, makes us run 4 miles. + whatever activity we have that day. I don't like it much either, because i'm a total girly girl. And I don't like getting sweaty. But, I tell myself, that its my job, to stay healthy and fit.
Its very important to give 100% in everything you do. And to NEVER try to take the easy way out.
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I know that you're going to rate me down for this, but there is no reason to complain because some kids don't get any exercise at all, so I do think that it is a good idea and its only 15 minutes a day. At my school gym is mandatory through 9th grade and it's a WHOLE period where you run miles and are graded on your time. You have to play soccer and basketball even if you aren't good at it. Honestly, you have it easy. I would much rather have to do what you do. Besides, I doubt anyone is going to laugh at you. All this crap that high school is all about looks is NOT true. I know a million overweight kids who are popular at my school and no one cares that they're overweight. Honestly, the more self conscious you are and the less you try then the more people think negatively of you. As long as you try your hardest no one will talk you down and if they do then they're not people who want to associate yourself with anyway. I mean I don't know about your school, but at my school no one gets talked down to for being fat except by maybe the popular guys, but they're jerks anyway.
If it's REALLY that bad, which is doesn't seem like it is and don't say I don't understand because I used to be REALLY fat like 5'1 and 130 lbs and I'm a really self conscious person then just get with a friend and totally blow it off like someone else said. Walk when they tell you to run believe me everyone will do it if you do. At my school no one runs the miles not even the popular guys who can run it in like 5 mins or talk to your parents about writing a letter to your gym teacher to say that you do more than 15 mins of exercise a day and you don't need to participate. One of my gym teachers told my friend that some days she could just sit out because she exercises SO much outside of school.
I know this probably wasn't the answer you were looking for, but I just wanted to show you that it could be much worse.
Hope this made you feel a little bit better :)
WiNTEROMANCEx
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People do need to exercise to stay healthy and unfortunately, not everyone does on their own or has parents who make sure they do. That's why there's the new law. However, you can get out of it.
I did this successfully myself. What you need to do is consult your physician and mention what this does to your self-esteem and the amount of riddicule you get because of your size.
Have him or her write a note exempting you from these exercises provided you sign up for a self-defense or exercise course outside of school to account for the 90 minutes the law says you must have. It's best this letter be drafted by a psychiatrist or psychologist so that they take it seriously.
It's called a medical exemption and there's not a damn thing they can do not to honor it. This way you can exercise in private. I managed to get an exemption that stated until further notice I didn't have to partake in gym class for the 8th grade year.
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well if I were you i'd talk to your parents and convince them to let you become homeschooled. Maybe there's what's called a "homeschool academy" in your area. Those are places where legally "homeschooled" kids can take classes, the same way you would take college classes. Kind of hard to explain.
or you could just do traditional homeschooling.
most of my friends are homeschooled and some of them are the smartest people I know, but some of them are idiots.
if you can do homeschooling correctly, then it can be just as/even more effective than a regular public school education.
i'm all for the law, but I do think that it's somewhat unfair to students who have circumstances that would make them unable to exercise easily. I think that it should allow other options, such as being involved in a sport outside of school.
i hope this works out for you. (no pun intended lol)
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