Hate the Gym? This class will change your mind!

By: Tamanna Sood ‘24

My experience taking PHED 104A (Weight Training)

Weight Training is never a class I thought I would ever take in my time at USC. I’ve always been awkward, clumsy, and heavy footed. Working out is something that never came easily to me and is honestly scary. Having struggled with body image, walking through a gym alone is a terrifying experience. I know that no one is looking at me and everyone is preoccupied with their own workouts, but it’s not easy to shed feeling self consciousness. 

Last semester, no matter how hard I tried to take care of myself and go to the gym, I found myself making excuses. I hated going to the gym and felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. Why does this come so easy for everyone else, and why is this so hard for me? 

Knowing my struggles, a friend suggested I try out PHED 104A. He shared how it helped him become confident and consistent in the gym, so I added it to my schedule while keeping my expectations low. It turned out to be one of the best classes I’ve taken at USC! 

PHED 104A is a 50 minute one unit class that usually meets twice a week with the exception of a longer Friday only option. The course is dedicated to building your confidence in the gym and educating you on how to start weight lifting. It’s a course designed to invigorate your gym experience no matter what level you start at. My classmates included a broad range of gym goers from beginners to more advanced lifters, and each of us improved in our own ways because of the class. 

I took the class with Coach Kevin Robinson. Coach Kevin is one of the reasons why I’ve come to enjoy this class so much. He is a positive and supportive instructor that teaches how to exercise with each individual student’s needs in mind. His attitude towards working out and strengthening yourself has changed my perspective on the way I view the experience of going to the gym. But he doesn’t shy away from telling you the truth.  Coach Kevin truly helped me change my mindset from looking for a quick fix or weight loss to focusing on making lifestyle changes and finding motivation in the way you feel, not the way you look.

Each week of the class, we checked Blackboard to learn which workouts we’d be covering that week. Then it’s time to head to the Lyon gym. Coach begins each class with a short lecture in the Cardinal room and then walks us through a detailed explanation of each exercise. Afterwards, each student demonstrates their form for Coach before they’re left to finish their workout on their own. 

The first few weeks might seem boring if you’re a more advanced gym-goer because Coach Kevin wants to create a strong foundation for newer lifters. As time goes on, the class is mostly about doing your own workouts and having one-on-one training sessions with Coach Kevin. Because it’s a class for school credit, I always know that I’m getting at least two good workouts in each week. Even if you aren’t a beginner, the class might be a useful way to work some physical activity into your schedule. 

The class also introduced me to students from all across the university in different majors and grades. I get to be part of a supportive girl group that tends to workout together, and we cheer each other on during the exercises. While sharing a bench with four other girls may not be the most efficient way to workout, it’s been a great motivator to stay focused and gain confidence. I sometimes struggle with my form and knowing that I have others around me that are there to help makes me feel more at ease while working out. 

Two months into the class, I’m surprised how far I’ve come. I won’t lie and say I’m a super consistent gym goer now, but I am more comfortable at the gym, and I feel confident because of what I’ve learned in the class. We’ve reached the point in the semester where a lot of the classes are dedicated to working out and creating a detailed routine for yourself and your goals. I know because of the support system and guidance I receive in class that by the end of this semester I will be able to see the progress physically as well as mentally! If you're wanting to face your gym fear, I highly recommend this class.

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