As the new Athletic Director and PE teacher at Libertas Academy and a soon-to-be Certified Personal Trainer, I can honestly say that I could not be more excited about this PE program.  As I have taken a deep dive, reading through the curriculum, watching the documentary (Motivation Factor), and doing my own research, I am proud and honored to continue on such an empowering, well-rounded, program. I have studied and dabbled in all different types of workout programs, protocols, and routines not only for myself but for friends and clients.  I can honestly say that for the best results and outcomes, it always comes back to the basics.  Somewhere, at some point, we have forgotten how simplistic it can be. 

Strength training, proper movement/balance, posture, flexibility, and endurance are all key points to elite fitness. How this is implemented is an important element. Calisthenics (use of one’s own body weight) is one of the surest, safest ways of strength training and is the main driver in our Classical PE here at Libertas. God has given us all the tools we need to grow.  We don’t always need the next fancy equipment or the trendiest workout program.  I like to say, “Back to Basics.”   However, this isn’t exactly basic, except for the fact that it is consistent and timely. 

The Libertas Academy Classical PE program is not easy, but we make it fun. Classical PE bodyweight training is fast, effective, and accessible.   The three points to the classical program exemplified by our model, La Sierra High, include the restorative arts (including traditional fitness, calisthenics, and correctives), the defensive arts (self and national defense), and a classically, pedagogical approach to sports, games, play, and theory.  All three key points build well-rounded, movement-empowered students, indeed students that are flourishing physically and mentally. 

Stan LeProtti exemplified this program at La Sierra High in the 60s.  Each day a 400 meter run was implemented and a 12 minute strength endurance routine followed. That was the bulk of the daily physical training routine responsible for creating a truly remarkable standard of physical fitness. These were followed by either defensive arts or pedagogical activities and finally finished with a run through the obstacle course—a gauntlet of pegboard walls, ropes, and unique manipulatives that honed bodyweight mastery. They called this 5-minute period their “off-the-ground” time.  La Sierra students achieved a staggering level of fitness through consistent daily immersion in this short, simple training regimen. 

The key factors are intensity and proper movement to get the best results.  It is not always the long drawn-out workouts that create the best outcomes.  As I like to say, work out “smartly”.  Another factor of the program that I would say is motivating is the T-shirt program, which we are implementing this year for our secondary (7th – 12th grade) students.  Students will have the opportunity to excel and progress through three levels, earning a specific color shirt that will make them stand out among their peers.   

Classical PE is highly motivating and rewarding at the same time.  As a CPT and their teacher, I am looking forward to growing and learning with the students as well.  I am looking forward to using this traditional method to create a future of fitness, not only for our students here at Libertas Academy, but hopefully something that can grow bigger in other schools so all of our future generations can benefit and flourish in this world God has created for us. I look forward to watching each student grow physically, mentally, and spiritually through the word of God as well as building confidence and assurance that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to.   Our goal here is to train the whole child – spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically and our PE program is a part of that training.  Our students will flourish this year  –  I am certain that they can and that they will.   

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Crystal Palmer
Libertas Academy Athletic Director