Weightlifting has been a class offered at Glendale High School for three years now. It began after the COVID-19 lockdowns, and Mr. Ibrahim Belou has taught this class since 2021. He was the one who requested to teach this class, since more electives were going to be offered, along with seven classes in our current block schedule.

“I think weightlifting is vital,” Mr. Belou said. “It is something that is necessary for young students, to be able to understand how to workout properly with the proper technique.” He believes that building muscle mass is a tool to prevent injuries, especially as we age.

This class doesn’t only allow students to practice lifting weights. It also includes a variety of strength-building workouts, such as yoga and pilates. “[Having these skills] at a young age is a benefit, because most of us don’t get this level of instruction unless we are taught it or have personal trainers,” said Mr. Belou.

You can find a group of girls and a group of boys for a majority of the workouts when they are in the weight room. One group usually works out in the weight room, while the other one usually does a “full body circuit workout.” Then they switch these positions the next time. 

Mr. Belou teaches students “how to spot properly,” for when working with weights, in order to not injure themselves. Students also usually work with partners. 

The students in this class are very helpful to each other. Sofi Pugrdjian, a junior in the class, enjoys helping her classmates. “I like demonstrating and teaching the newer [students] how to operate the machines or teach them the proper form[s] on how to work out,” she said.

Mr. Belou teaches weightlifting for three separate periods, and each class has about forty students enrolled. This class seems to be very popular among students at GHS. 

There has been a change in the gender dynamics in the class compared to when it just started. “We had mainly like 95% boys in class my first year with…two to three girls total,” Mr. Belou revealed. Since then, the number of girls in the class has increased to make up nearly 50% of each roster. 

“I give a lot of credit to… the brave girls that decided to take [weightlifting class] the first year,” Mr. Belou claimed. “I think word-of-mouth just started spreading [the] benefits [of the class].”

Mr. Belou believes that many girls have the wrong idea about weightlifting. “I think there is a misconception in regards to [girls saying] ‘I don’t wanna get big,’” he said. “If anything, it actually [builds] leaner muscle mass…and enhances physical and psychological development.” 

Mr. Belou hopes to help his students reach their athletic goals. Sophomore Denisse Cabrera is in her first year in the weightlifting class, and she confirmed this. “I can definitely feel myself being a lot healthier and stronger,” she admitted.

Instead of simply taking a traditional PE class, this course is a great alternative. It is also a great way to work on weightlifting, without hiring a personal trainer or going to the gym, where there are a lot of strangers around. 

Some may feel uncomfortable at the gym, and Mr. Belou believes that his class is a safe space. “[Students] get to be in a safe environment where everyone is positive and everyone demonstrates respect,” he said. “And it builds confidence as well.”

Senior Alex Gulitashvili, who has been in the weightlifting class for three years, claimed, “Coach [Belou] is very fun and understanding and the classmates are super supportive in all aspects.” Alex believes that all Nitros should sign up for this course. “Look over all the benefits [of weightlifting] and realize that it’s actually very good for your mental and physical health,” he said.

Keep in mind that you are not able to take this class unless you have passed both semesters of PE during your freshman year. Mr. Belou said that the target audience for this class is “kids that want to learn about weightlifting …have a positive attitude and are willing to try different things like yoga and pilates, in addition to weight room instruction.” He feels that respect, and building a positive environment, are important.

Clearly, this is a great place to become, or stay, healthy and strong, but it is also a great environment to make new friends with similar interests. If you are interested in joining Mr. Belou’s weightlifting class next year, you can choose to take the class once electives become available towards the end of this school year. For more information on this course, contact Coach Belou at [email protected].