Wednesday is the only day on which I wake up before the sound of my alarm. In fact, I don’t even set it the night before. My sheer anticipation alone is enough to wake me. I get dressed and ready with uncharacteristic speed, rush out the door, and, for once, do not miss my bus.

On the way to school, I am undeniably excited—almost jittery. I have been waiting for this moment since 8:20 a.m. last Wednesday.

Upon arrival, I rush past the crowds of tired teenagers socializing in the cafeteria. I take a left, open the old blue metal door, and descend into the locker room.

I have always loved gym. Ever since the days of yellow and blue square scooters, it has been one of my favorite classes. Yes, I consider physical education a class. That’s why it has the word “education” in it.

I know that my love for gym may come as a surprise to most Staples students. I know this because I have been told it many times. I have been mocked and harassed throughout my P.E. career, but I have never ceased to appreciate the simple pleasure of a break.

A break. This is the true meaning of gym. Regardless of the physical exertion necessary to do well in a gym class, it is great to spend just an hour a day, four days a week, free from the burden of school work. Even a free period is stressful in that one could devote the time to academic productivity.

But gym is not like that. No, whether I am scoring a goal or running on the treadmill, or just laughing with some friends, I am not thinking about the paper I haven’t written yet, or the test I have to take next period. I am simply enjoying myself.

The thing is, others don’t seem to agree with me. They appear to see gym as a mandatory waste of time that disrupts the flow of their day. And don’t get me wrong—I see where they’re coming from.

Waiting for 10 minutes outside the locked doors to the girls’ locker room is annoying. Unlacing the shoes I just put on an hour ago is frustrating. Getting sweaty (and remaining so throughout the rest of the day) is a hassle.

It’s worth it, though. Even during the most hated quarter of the year: the swimming unit.

I doubt that there is any class at Staples with more absences than swimming. This is because of two things:

One, getting into a freezing pool every morning is a nightmare; and two, being cold and wet for the rest of the day, especially during the winter, is uncomfortable to say the least.

That said, water polo was, without a doubt, one of my favorite gym activities. That means a lot coming from me, seeing as I’ve loved just about every gym class I’ve ever had the pleasure to be enrolled in.

Gym class is an overlooked opportunity to bond with classmates, have fun and—last but not least—get a well-needed workout. And, as motivational posters scattered throughout the gym hallways will tell you, exercise is good for you. It can not only build muscle and keep you fit, but also boost your mood, increase your energy, and help you sleep more.

And, let’s be honest: which Stapleite couldn’t use more sleep