16 Gym Class Drills That Felt Like Torture
Few memories are as deeply etched in our minds as gym class, especially those dreaded drills that made time stand still. While they were meant to build fitness and discipline, some felt more like punishment than physical education.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Gym class was supposed to be fun, but many of the drills pushed students beyond their comfort zones. From wind sprints to rope climbs, these exercises often felt like calculated torment. Some of them demanded more stamina, strength, or coordination than many students could muster. Looking back, it is clear why certain drills are remembered with both dread and disbelief.
1. Shuttle Runs
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Shuttle runs were meant to test agility and speed, but they often ended in gasping and wheezing. Sprinting back and forth in short bursts left legs burning and lungs on fire. The pressure to beat the clock or your classmates only made it worse. Pacing yourself was nearly impossible, especially with a coach yelling from the sidelines. Many dreaded this drill more than any written test.
2. Rope Climbing
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The rope climb was a classic, yet terrifying part of gym class. Without upper body strength, reaching the top felt impossible. Slipping halfway up only added embarrassment to the pain. The thick rope scratched your hands while the fear of falling loomed overhead. Few ever made it to the bell without a serious struggle.
3. The Mile Run
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A timed mile felt endless for students untrained in endurance. The expectation to keep a consistent pace was unrealistic for many. Teachers rarely accounted for different fitness levels. Cramps, side stitches, and sore calves made it worse with each lap. For some, walking half of it was a victory in itself.
4. Sit-Up Drills
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Sit-ups in rapid succession targeted your core, but mostly just caused neck pain. A partner was supposed to help count and anchor your feet, but often just giggled instead. You were judged by how many you could do in a minute, not how well you did them. The pressure led to sloppy form and pulled muscles. For some, this drill left soreness that lasted all week.
5. Push-Up Challenges
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Push-ups were deceptively simple yet brutally difficult. Form quickly fell apart after just a few reps. Gym teachers expected straight backs and full depth, but most students couldn’t maintain it. Embarrassment set in when you collapsed mid-count. Those who finished barely lifted their arms afterward.
6. The Pacer Test
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This drill was a test of mental and physical stamina. The beeping sound grew faster, pushing you until your legs gave out. It felt less like a fitness test and more like an anxiety experiment. Dropping out early earned you scorn, but lasting longer was pure agony. Many still hear those dreaded beeps in their nightmares.
7. Wall Sits
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Wall sits looked easy until the burn kicked in. Holding the position made your thighs feel like they were on fire. The longer you stayed, the more intense the shaking became. Coaches counted the seconds slowly, adding to the pain. Getting up after was sometimes harder than the sit itself.
8. Bear Crawls
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Bear crawls demanded full-body effort and coordination. Crawling across the gym floor made your shoulders ache and wrists throb. Falling out of rhythm caused painful slips and bumps. It was especially awful on hardwood floors without proper padding. Most just collapsed at the end in a sweaty heap.
9. Crab Walks
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Crab walks were awkward and exhausting. Moving backwards on all fours, you strained muscles you didn’t know existed. It was hard to stay balanced, and even harder to go fast. Your wrists and legs would scream in protest within seconds. It left everyone crawling toward the finish line like broken robots.
10. Jump Ropes for Speed
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Jump rope drills focused on rhythm and endurance. Skipping non-stop for minutes left you gasping for air. One mistake could leave your shins stinging and your confidence shattered. You were expected to stay light on your feet, even if you felt like collapsing. Most students dreaded the inevitable trip-up.
11. Pull-Ups
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Pull-ups ranked among the most dreaded gym feats. Most students couldn’t manage even one complete rep. Hanging helplessly on the bar while others watched was deeply humiliating. The required upper body strength just wasn’t there for many. It was more of a spectacle than a real fitness test.
12. Partner Carry Drills
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Lifting or dragging a classmate was as awkward as it was tiring. Weight differences made this drill unfair from the start. Balance and coordination were often ignored, leading to falls. It felt more like a wrestling match than an exercise. Many walked away sore, frustrated, and bruised.
13. Dodgeball Warm-Ups
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Before the actual game started, warm-ups involved non-stop throwing and ducking. Getting pelted in the face early set the tone for misery. Reflexes weren’t enough when balls flew from every direction. The fear of injury and humiliation overshadowed any fun. For some, it was less a game and more a war zone.
14. Agility Ladder Drills
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Footwork had to be perfect during agility ladder drills. One misstep and you would trip or knock the ladder out of place. Coaches demanded speed and precision, a tough combo under pressure. The repetition made legs heavy and minds tired. It was harder than it looked, and few did it well.
15. Relay Races with Obstacles
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Obstacle relay races combined running with crawling, jumping, and climbing. Coordination was key, but chaos usually won. One person’s mistake could ruin the entire team’s performance. The pressure to be fast and flawless led to injuries and frustration. What started as competition often ended in tears.
16. Medicine Ball Throws
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Tossing a heavy medicine ball with accuracy required more strength than expected. Poor form often led to muscle strain or awkward landings. You had to throw far, yet maintain control, which few could balance. Catches were even worse, with the weight slamming into your chest or arms. It felt like training for a sport no one signed up for.