Gym Class Around the World

By Katie_Rolnick

April 1, 2010

We're all for physical fitness. After all, being out of breath after climbing (two) stairs isn't cool. But we're NOT in favor of gym class. Changing clothes at school, sweating at school, trying not to fall on your face while "playing" (a.k.a. "avoiding the") volleyball at school—it's all terribly humiliating. But don't worry, you're not alone. Students all over the world are suffering the cruel and unusual punishment known as gym class. Here's what students in other cities are up to...

Balloon Training in Anchor Point, Newfoundland
In this gym class, you have to blow up as many balloons as possible during the course of a 50-minute class period. Laugh all you want, but it strengthens and develops your lung capacity.

Full-Contact Hopscotch in Posadas, Argentina
This isn't your friendly, elementary school recess game. Full-contact hopscotch requires some serious safety gear. Before gym class can start, everyone suits up in football-style shoulder pads and helmets. The chalk playing field is drawn, and each time you hop on a line, the entire class tackles you. Supposedly, this builds mental resilience and strong bones.

Unicycling in Baraboo, Wisconsin
This class is exactly what it sounds like: everyone learns to ride a unicycle (red clown nose not required). There's even an advanced class in unicycle special skills and tricks.

Banana Peel Walking in Cyprus
Want to improve your balance and agility? Try walking the length of your gym... when the floor is covered in banana peels. Seriously. It's tough. And funny.

Candle PE in Chamonix, France
Soccer, basketball, horribly violent games of kickball—this gym class is a lot like yours. But rather than working up a sweat under glaring florescent lights, you get fit by candlelight. How romantic! And the darker atmosphere is said to lower blood pressure and reduce sweat stain-inducing anxiety. Sit-up farts, however, are still a problem.

Garden Maze Racing in Hawaii
Imagine trying to find your way out of a huge, elaborate, finely manicured garden maze. Now imagine trying to do that while blindfolded and being timed. Yeah, it's super hard. But even if you have to be escorted out by the class search and rescue dog, you'll still have improved your sense of direction.

Snow Chasing in the Netherlands
Huh? How do you chase snow? Here's how: You do a 15-minute run... strapped into snowshoes. Want to stop? Too bad. Keep chasing that snow! NO, DON'T STOP!! It's only been 28 seconds!