There are currently 518 males and 482 females, grades 10-12, enrolled at Liberty. Of these students, 221 males take a 10-12 grade PE course compared to 84 females.

 In other words, 42% males take PE in grades 10-12 and only 7% of female students do the same.

This issue is especially prominent in Weight Training, which has a much higher population of male students than females. ‘

ASB teacher Michelle Munson is looking to change that.

“I wanted another option for our 10th through 12th graders. We’ve had the same electives that we had when I was in high school 30 years ago,” Munson said.  “I wanted something new. And I believe if I can look at a system that needs some disruption, I don’t have any problem doing the disrupting.”

Munson is creating, and potentially teaching, Women’s Weight Training, which will be a new course offered next year. Women’s Weight Training would differ from normal weight training in a few ways. First, it focuses specifically on women’s bodies.

“Why do a lot of our female athletes see more injuries? What is it about their body that’s different?” Munson said.  “Of course, women can do the normal weight training class but is it designed for their body?” 

While the class is primarily focused on gaining knowledge of the female body, it’s also about gaining confidence.

“I want female students to be able to walk out with the knowledge of ‘I can do strength training and this is how it’s gonna benefit my body,’” Munson said

Although it’s not determined who will be teaching the class for both semesters or how many students will sign up, many Liberty students are already excited about the new course.

“I think it’s great for people who aren’t comfortable being around a lot of guys or going to the gym,” senior track athlete Lorelei Cassman said. “It’s a great way for them to get involved.”

For female students, like senior Taylee Klein, who took the normal weight training class, the chance to try a new class is exciting.

“I think having a woman’s weight training would be really good because it would be amazing to have a bunch of women trying to get stronger and uplift each other instead of being a couple of women in a male dominated class,” Klein said. 

For those who might be on the fence about joining a PE (weight training or not), Munson recommends it. 

“I would say anytime you can step outside your comfort zone and try something new as you should, anytime,” Munson said. “This is not going to be a competitive weightlifting course. It’s going to be what’s designed for you.”