First Post Week #1
So this is my blog! Welcome! this is a picture of me and my friends in Japan, it’s a silly picture and makes me laugh. 🙂
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Blog Post Week 2
For the upcoming fitness appraisal, I want to improve on my cardiovascular endurance. I would also like to see an improvement in my times for holding positions like the wall sit and plank. I hope there’s a noticeable overall improvement from the last fitness appraisal I did.
The point of doing a warmup before any physical activity is in the hopes of warming up your muscles and preparing them to be worked out.
A successful warm up is one that makes you feel pumped up and ready to go. To know whether it is done well if your muscles aren’t as tense.
The point of doing a cool down is give your muscles a health break from overly exhausting them, it’s important because without it your muscles can strain easy.
The best time to stretch is before a workout so that you don’t pull a muscle during the activity. Thus, it’s important.
https://youtu.be/FG8WAnOD8EQ
Week #3 Questions
On a scale of 1-10, I give an eight out of ten, this workout really made me sweat it out. If it’s convenient to workout (with my willpower), if it’s realistic (if I can have time to set aside in my schedule), and if I have the right material (weights and a good playlist) I absolutely would be working out more every week. It’s the three things I need to make sure I work out.
Excuses can come up frequently; I’m tired, I’ve had a long day or even just for today I’ll take a break. What we have to do is remind ourselves why we started working out in the first place; to be our best selves! Don’t cheat yourself!
I personally love flexibility enduring workouts like yoga or using weights to workout. I like to use weights to workout my glutes and upper body because those are the areas I feel I need to always build. That’s what I did for this workout even added some abs in there. I also love skating! Yet, I will always prefer working out in the comfort of my own home. I can see myself skating for the rest of my life as a hobby, it’s also great as a group activity.
I have to admit, my diet this week wasn’t too good. I gave in and ate subways because I didn’t have my own lunch. Other than that, I had the usual; my Italian grandmothers homemade cooking. If I wasn’t eating that, I was eating chicken and vegetables. Next week, I think I’ll try eating more fruits and more red meat if possible!
https://youtu.be/wJajmRq9rs4
Week 4 Questions
This workout video is special because it was filmed at my grandparents’ house, as you might see them walk around me a few times. This workout really kicked my butt. I completed one rep of part 1, three reps of part 2 and for my SMART goals I did 25 jumping jacks (50 for the first rep), 25 forward lunges, and 30 squats. These kinds of workouts fit into my week every Monday, so I can have it uploaded by Tuesday night.
Being a full-time student and still finding the time to work out every week is a struggle. Not only is their schoolwork to be done but there’s also some down time that gets cut short to make room for a workout. But it’s worth it in the end because I feel healthier!
My stress levels went down throughout this workout. Life has really been testing me this week, and I got to take my frustration out in a productive way.
This week I chose to cut out meat, I went vegetarian for a week. I’m thinking of actually committing to it. My diet is definitely greener! I’m proud to say I stuck it out.
For the next 2 weeks, I’m thinking of incorporating more grains and legumes!
https://youtu.be/4HR2RHuyX6c
WEEK 6 Questions
I have adapted my plan to my availabilities and schedule mostly. That has been the biggest barrier. I’ve noticed, and this continues to grow in effect the more I work out, that I’m all around calmer in everyday life. I’m more serene and at peace, less stressed. I have not started working out more than once a week.
Week #7 Questions
This workout I started with my workout to achieve my smart goal; doing the splits. Also known as: Hanumanasana pose. My goal might be not as realistic as intended as I need to really push myself to achieve it, it’s not as easy as people on the internet make it seem, yet it’s still do-able. I’ve chosen low lunge, lizard lunge, half split pose and pigeon pose as my method of stretching to achieve my goal. So far, the one that has shown to be most effective is lizard lunge and pigeon pose. This week I’ve been feeling more productive than usual and I’ve noticed I have improved focus. This activity plan so far exhausts me to the point of needing a nap, so I guess, a side effect of this workout is improved sleep. Hopefully, I will be able to do the splits soon. Enjoy the video!
https://youtu.be/rFYJqs2Yo6A
Week #8 Questions
- How much sleep should you be getting every night?
You should be getting about 7 to 9 hours each night.
- Are you getting that much?
I’m getting around 9 to 11 hours a night.
- If not, what could you do to ensure that you do get enough sleep?
My problem is I’m getting too much sleep, I should set an alarm to wake up earlier.
- What are the serious health effects related to insufficient sleep?
Over time, continued sleep deprivation raises the risk for a number of chronic health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Insufficient sleep can also leave you more vulnerable to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- Give two examples of healthy snacks that you can munch on while studying.
- – Veggies and/or fruit. – quinoa salad
Week #9 Questions
For my work out this week, I created my own for part 1. For the first 20 mins of my workout, I did 30 squats (with 10 pound weights) twice, 15 donkey kicks and fire hydrants on each leg, and 40 Russians twists (with a 2.5 pound weight).
Questions:
Which goals did you succeed?
- I succeeded in doing 40 Russians twists with a 2 and a half pound weights.
Which goals did you not succeed?
- I did not succeed in doing the front splits yet.
Why do you think you did not achieve the above-mentioned goals?
- Because I need more time to keep practicing, although, I got much closer to the ground it’s a big improvement.
What could you have done to succeed your goals?
- There’s nothing I could have done, I just have to trust the process and let it run its course.
What did you learn throughout this process?
- I learned that flexibility is really something that can be greatly improved with time.
What personal goals would you like to set for yourself in 2020?
- I would like to eat healthier and drink more water.
Week #10
So I noticed that they’re weren’t really specific questions for this week. I did the yoga practice from YouTube and then practiced my stretches. I tried to challenge myself for longer than usually, increasing my time little by little each time. I held each position for about 2 mins. slowly I will achieve my SMART goal!
Week 11
This week my sister decided to join me in my workout. For awhile now I’ve been trying to get to my smart goal; the front splits. But I’ve realized I need to practice everyday. On top of that i need to focus on doing the front splits with my right leg, thats the more flexible one, if i want to achieve my goal soon. Other than that, everythings been going as planned:)
Week 12
This time I experimented with some new stretches to reach my splits. I kept pushing through until I was even a little bit closer to the floor. I also really enjoyed the yoga session!
Week #13 questions (last week)
What will motivate you to continue to be active in the future?
- What will motivate me is the people around me, if I can work out with someone or a group of people it makes it that more fun for me
How do you see yourself living an active lifestyle?
- I see myself living an active lifestyle by joining a gym, maybe doing a class of some kind with friends
What was the most important thing you learned about yourself?
- I learned that I can push myself more than I thought
Describe any physical and psychological changes that have happened over the course
of this semester.
- Yoga has taught me how to be more aware of myself, and have more control over my body
What did you learn in this course?
- I learned useful breathing techniques along with many other anti-anxiety techniques. Also learned I can teach myself flexibility and that was something I’ve never done before.
What did you enjoy the most?
- I enjoyed the practice the most and learning new things about myself through the practice.
