‘Stadiodrom, Pierre de Coubertin, Scapula levator’ — if you don’t know which of these is a human muscle, which the term for a running distance, and which is the name of the founder of the modern Olympic Games, then you definitely haven’t been in the SMART Center’s virtual reality (VR) fitness class with instructor Misak Martirosyan.

“I often passed by the SMART Center and admired the building, but I only went inside for the first time when I received the job offer for VR Fitness Program instructor. Until then, I was working as a physical education teacher at the school in Medovka village in Lori through the ‘Teach for Armenia’ program,” Misak shares and adds that the desire to fulfill his duty toward his country and the next generation is what brought him to education.

“My primary goal in education is for each of my students to value a healthy lifestyle, to set an example, and to try to promote it,” says the VR Fitness Program instructor. According to Misak, SMART is the best environment to achieve his goal. He has even succeeded in inspiring some of the SMART students to choose physical education as their future profession.

The SMART students, in turn, motivate Misak to continue self-education and always ‘stay in good shape,’ both physically and professionally.

“I try to keep up with the latest news in my field and pass on only relevant information to my students. They like to check how important and well-founded the information I give them is, Misak concluded.

Preparing for a jump-rope contest.

The best way to motivate the kids is to exercise right alongside them.

Misak meticulously surveys to make sure every exercise is done correctly.

They know how to boost team spirit in the VR Fitness Program. At the end of each session, students rate the class, their energy, and their mood on a 10-point scale.

Training in the city’s park is a great opportunity to meet and connect with former students and classmates.

Misak says that the sports grounds in public parks contribute to a healthy lifestyle for young people.

Misak used to be a professional boxer and is a two-time champion of Armenia in his weight category. With his current schedule, he manages to train only a few times a month.

In every neighborhood of Vanadzor, Misak has his favorite spots for training. In this park, he enjoys cycling.

Author: Knar Babayan