Back to the Gym, Back to the Classroom: Embracing Growth in Spring

Winter had me in a chokehold. The cold, the darkness, the sheer exhaustion of long workdays made it easy to justify skipping the gym. I told myself it was self-care, that rest was important, that I’d get back to it when the season felt right. And now, with spring stretching out before us, I’ve finally stepped back into the gym—and my body is reminding me of every rep I missed. The soreness is real, but oddly, it’s a pain I’ve missed.

It’s the pain of growth.

The ache in my muscles isn’t just discomfort; it’s evidence that I’m pushing myself again. That I’m showing up for myself, even when it’s hard. That I’m re-establishing discipline, not just motivation. And in many ways, isn’t this exactly what teaching feels like?

As educators, we are emerging from our own winter slumps. The long stretch of cold months, testing season, and endless to-do lists can leave us drained. But spring is here, and with it comes the opportunity to stretch, to push forward, and to embrace the growth that comes with discomfort. Just like in the gym, we are not starting from scratch—we are building on the foundation we laid before.

Our students, too, are shaking off the fog of winter. They may be restless, distracted, or struggling to re-engage. It’s our job to meet them with the same patience and grace we give ourselves when getting back into a routine. Just as I wouldn’t expect to lift my heaviest weight on the first day back, we can’t expect students to instantly snap into full engagement. But step by step, rep by rep, conversation by conversation, we help them strengthen their confidence, their curiosity, and their discipline.

But let’s be real—this spring feels different. The political climate is unstable, government workers are losing their jobs, tariffs and inflation are driving up costs, and families are feeling the squeeze. Many of our students are carrying burdens that extend far beyond the classroom. How do we expect them to focus on quadratic equations when their families are struggling to equate groceries to mouths? How can they write essays about the future when they’re unsure what tomorrow will bring?

This season is a reminder that growth—whether in the gym, in the classroom, or in our communities—requires discomfort, consistency, and care. It demands that we not only push ourselves but also extend grace to those around us. As educators, we must recognize that while we are striving to strengthen minds, many of our students and their families are simply trying to survive.

So let’s lace up our sneakers and our professional passion. Let’s challenge ourselves and our students to step up. Let’s advocate for the supports they need to thrive. And most importantly, let’s remind ourselves that every ache and every effort is proof that we are still in the process of becoming.

Spring is here. It’s time to move.