Phil Parham (26 page)

How about you? Do you hate going to gym class or do you look forward to it? If you've started believing, for whatever reason, that gym isn't fun, you may have built up a wall in your mind. I encourage you today to break down that wall. Go to class and give it your best shot. If you put your heart into it, you'll do great, and you'll have fun in the process.

1. How can your attitude make gym more fun?

2. What are some fun things you do in gym class?

3. If there are activities in class you don't enjoy, explain why you feel that way.

Always go to gym class prepared. Make sure you have an extra pair of socks, your gym uniform, and tennis shoes.

A Word from Amy

When I was a little kid, my sisters and I would have races in our backyard. I loved the feeling of running with the wind blowing through my hair. I also loved to win (and since I was the oldest, I won most of the races!). Now that I'm older, I still like to run in races. I'm not trying to win first place, but I run my best. And I love the feeling I get when I cross the finish line. I know that I've accomplished something many other people haven't.

If you haven't signed up for a race, I want to motivate you to go for it. People of all ages run, and they are usually doing it to support a worthy cause. Gather together your parents, siblings, and even your grandparents to run. It's a fun family activity, and running is great exercise for your heart and lungs.

I ran my first 10-kilometer race (10K) in New York. At one point, I ran over the George Washington Bridge. It was amazing to run over that great landmark. It was also a great feeling knowing I was doing something that was benefiting my body and my mind. When I crossed the finish line, people were cheering for us and handing out bottles of water. I felt so proud.

I want you to have that same feeling, so make up your mind to run a race. Most of them are advertised online, so go on the Web and see what's offered in your area.

1. In what ways is running good for your body?

2. What is a good reason to run a race?

3. How can you find out if there are any races in your area?

When running a race, make sure you pace yourself. You don't want to run really fast at first and use up all your energy before you reach the finish line. Take your time and have fun.

A Word from Amy

If you've already started activating your body, you probably noticed you have a lot more energy than when you started. Now I want you to push yourself a little harder. You always want to challenge yourself, because once your body gets used to a certain level of effort, your fitness progress slows down. Also, if you are anything like me, you probably get bored easily. Sometimes just walking every day for a month doesn't cut it. You want to be constantly looking for different types of cardio exercises that are fun.

There are a bunch of cardio options to choose from. Some you may not be able to do well in the beginning, but after a couple of times, you will build up your stamina and your muscles. Here are some activities you can try to get your body moving:

• running up stadium bleachers

• swimming

• exercise DVDs

• dancing

• football

• racquetball

• basketball

• tennis

• baseball/softball

• boxing

• stair-climber

• stationary bike

• hiking

• gymnastics

• karate

• soccer

• kickball

• cycling

• chores such as raking leaves, moving furniture, and cleaning your room (your parents will love that one!)

Open yourself up to the exercise possibilities and keep that body moving.

1. Look at the list above and pick three activities you would like to try.

2. What are some other activities you can think of to get cardio exercise?

3. Why do you want to continue to push yourself when it comes to exercising?

Jumping on a trampoline is great exercise. If you have one, jump on it for 15 minutes and see how much fun it is.

A Word from Amy

When my kids were little, I signed them up for all kinds of sports. We tried soccer, basketball, and baseball, to name a few. Baseball didn't work because my oldest son played outfield, and he wouldn't pay attention and would never notice when the ball came his way. In soccer, my kids were known for running the wrong way. Basketball wasn't good either. They got tired of running up and down the court and would just stop in the middle of the game.

After some time, I let them choose the sport they wanted to try. One of my sons tried skateboarding, and it helped him with his balance, agility, strength, and confidence. Another son tried cross-country running. He loved it. It took some time, but eventually they all found a sport they liked and were really good at.

Playing sports is a fun way to exercise. It's good for your development and growth, and it builds confidence. Maybe you've had a hard time finding a sport you can play well. You may have thought you weren't athletic because the sports you tried weren't right for you. I encourage you today to keep trying new sports. Eventually, just like our boys, you'll find what works for you.

Remember, it doesn't have to be a traditional team sport such as football, baseball, basketball, or soccer. It could be swimming, various Frisbee games, beach volleyball, running, cycling, tennis, golf, surfing, or skateboarding. Keep trying new things and play your game.

1. What kind of nontraditional sports do you like to do?

2. Why is it a good idea to play sports?

3. What are some sports that you have tried that weren't a good fit? What did you not like about them?

Whatever sport you play, make sure to always wear the proper protective gear. Helmets when you are cycling and skateboarding are a must.

A Word from Amy