Due to the COVID-19, all physical education courses are being conducted non-face-to-face. The Postech Times met 
Professor Kim Myung Soo (HSS), who strives to guide physical education classes despite the current situation.

Please give a brief introduction about your work.
Currently, I am a physical education coordinator in the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences. In the past, I taught physical fitness, skiing, and kendo, but now I only teach physical fitness classes.

How are the current physical education courses conducted?
Students at POSTECH must complete a physical fitness class and select one of several practical classes. However, due to the COVID-19, physical fitness classes have been held non-face-to-face for two years. In addition, practical classes that had been in place have limitations in non-face-to-face, so the core training class has been introduced and conducted non-face-to-face. Along with other professors, I have been preparing exercises that students can do alone in their room to help students who have had difficulty coming to the gym since the year before the COVID-19 outbreak. We are currently conducting classes based on that experience and data.

What is the most difficult thing about non-face-to-face classes?
Although there are students who make physical changes, we think it is most important to teach them how to exercise. However, under the current circumstances, we are concerned that students will not know how to use the gym. So, when the quarantine policy is eased, we are discussing holding a free special lecture on how to use the gym.

What is the strength of POSTECH’s physical education class?
First of all, the number of students assigned per class is very small. This is the result of benchmarking MIT and CALTECH, which enables more efficient classes. In particular, it is almost impossible for other universities to conduct classes that all students take, such as physical fitness classes. In addition, even if non-face-to-face classes are not as effective as face-to-face classes, online alternative classes are being developed and conducted quickly. Most of the supplies, such as rackets and balls, are supported, and gyms can also be used without separate paid registration. When classes are back to normal, more students will be able to take advantage of the support from the school.

Any advice on habits or mindsets that can help students?
I know that students do not have much time to manage their health due to their busy schedules. So, I advise that exercise should become part of your daily routine rather than thinking you should do it. There will be many ways, such as using the stairs instead of the elevator, stretching before going to bed, or checking how much you exercised while walking through an application. I hope that with the aid of our helpful professors, students will find the method that works for them.

Any last words for Postechians? 
I hope students remember that health is never just obtained. Your health increases by the amount that you invest in it. I hope our students regard exercise as being part of their daily lives.