Surviving Gym Class During the First Month

Few things make teens more nervous about bracing than gym class.

For some students, it becomes one of the first questions they ask.

What am I supposed to do during gym?

Will everyone notice?

What if I can't participate?

What if it feels awkward?

These worries are incredibly common.

Gym class is already a place where many students feel self-conscious.

Adding a brace to the situation can make those feelings even stronger.

The first thing to remember is that every scoliosis treatment plan is different.

Some teens wear their brace during physical activity.

Many do not.

Your doctor and orthotist should guide you on what is appropriate for your specific situation.

Following their instructions is what matters.

Not what someone else with scoliosis does.

The emotional side of gym class can sometimes be harder than the physical side.

You may worry about changing clothes.

You may worry about questions.

You may worry about standing out.

You may worry about looking different.

Those concerns are understandable.

Nobody enjoys feeling different from everyone around them.

What helps many teens is realizing that gym class is often much less focused on them than they imagine.

Most students are thinking about the activity, talking with friends, or trying to get through class themselves.

They are not spending the entire period analyzing someone else's brace.

Some teens find it helpful to talk with the gym teacher ahead of time.

A quick conversation can remove a lot of uncertainty.

Your teacher can help make sure you understand expectations and accommodations if they are needed.

You do not have to figure everything out alone.

The first few gym classes may feel uncomfortable.

That's okay.

The first few days of almost everything in bracing feel uncomfortable.

That doesn't mean it will always feel that way.

Confidence often comes from experience.

The more times you show up, the less scary it becomes.

The more times you participate, the more normal it feels.

The more times you get through class successfully, the more your brain realizes you can handle it.

Remember, gym class is only one small part of your school day.

It is not a measure of your worth.

It is not a measure of your confidence.

It is not a measure of who you are.

It's simply one more thing you'll learn how to navigate.

Just like everything else during this first month.