Fitness and Health

The Fitness and Health (FH) curriculum at Columbia Secondary emphasizes physical activity and lifestyle habits as essential components of a productive, happy and fulfilled life. It focuses on exposing students to a diversity of fitness activities with the hope that students will adopt some of these as lifelong fitness options. The program de-emphasizes competitive team sports. We do not, for example, have intraschool competitive sports of any kind, although we may have friendly intramural competitions. Fitness and Health courses are designed around 8 week mini-programs focused on specific fitness activities. Students rotate through 4 offerings per year, giving them a broad survey of fitness activities that  improve their physical health and well being. Mini-courses include jogging, pilates, yoga, aerobic dancing, weightlifting, swimming, powerwalking, etc. We are also developing an outdoor program of activities as part of the Saturday Academy that may include activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, kayaking. Our program makes full use of our gym and indoor pool, and the recreational and outdoor facilities of Morningside and Riverside Parks. In some instances we can also secure use of Columbia University's recreational and physical fitness facilities.

FH Meet on Mon and Wed during the last period of the day to allow students to exercise fully, sweat, and go home to shower. The FH uniform consists of dark blue athletic pants and a light blue t-shirt with the CSS school shield. IN winter students should wear a light blue CSS sweater, fleece jacket and long dark blue jogging pants.

We hope that parent and community volunteers participate along with and/or lead students in the Fitness and Health programs.

Fall 2009

1) Badminton

2) Volleyball

3) Street Hockey

4) Yoga

5) Jogging

6) Swimming

7) Ultimate Frisbee

8) Basketball

9) Soccer

10) Cycling (we have a fleet of 24 mountain bikes, thanks to parent donations!)

11) Brazilian Martial Arts - Capoeira

12) Basketball

Spring 2009

1) Racquetball

2) Volleyball

3) Street Hockey

4) Yoga

5) Jogging

6) Swimming

7) Ultimate Frisbee

8) Basketball

9) Soccer

10) Circus performance

11) Brazilian Martial Arts - Capoeira

Fall 2008

1) Badminton

2) Volleyball

3) Stick Hockey

4) Pilates/Yoga

5) Jogging

6) Swimming

7) Ultimate Frisbee

8) Basketball

9) Soccer

10) Circus performance

11) Brazilian Martial Arts - Capoeira

Fall/Spring 2007-2008

 Pilates/Yoga

Jogging

Swimming

Ultimate Frisbee

Basketball/Volleyball