Our generation has grown up with the omnipresent craze of fitness and health, a recent hype that emerged over the past decade. With the growing popularity of healthy lifestyles in our society today, fitness is now considered as a vital aspect in many people’s lives. Athletes, in particular, understand the importance of fitness in success and triumph.
ISM’s fitness program routinely entails weekly sessions with Coach Niall Highland for most varsity teams. The famous (or infamous) “Highland fitness” generally involves harsh circuit training, incorporating appropriate elements pertaining to each individual team and sport. For example, in touch rugby, pace and endurance are vital, and can make or break the team.“Fitness is a very significant component of the game, making up about 50% of a player’s role,” says Mr. Dodd, the ISM’s girls’ varsity touch rugby coach. Therefore, the training is adjusted accordingly.
However, the benefits of this rigorous routine extend far beyond an increase in physical strength, speed, endurance, and agility; from a boost in confidence and team bonding, to pushing far beyond personal limits, Highland training has improved ISM athletes’ athletic and dispositional wellness. It transcends the mere physical training process; it develops all aspects of an ardent individual athlete as well as a sound team dynamic.
The power of mentality is crucial in any sport; through continuously working at 100%, athletes learn how to focus and how to mentally endure through physical exhaustion. Despite all the pain, the athletes of ISM have come to appreciate the true importance of this onerous routine. Highland fitness has caused ISM varsity teams to evolve greatly in various ways over the past few years.
Success comes from hard work. And not a single person can come away from Highland session saying that they didn’t work hard. – Steve Dodd
Written By: Erin O’Reilly, 11
Pictures By: Ashley Miller, 12
