Yet Another FUNtastic day!

Today, we had the whole large gym to ourselves! We played a whole bunch of games, which was really fun! I felt like a little kid again! :) We played games like octopus, line tag, ninja, pinny tag, and my favourite, Capture the flag with the lights out! It was so much fun! We also got a lot of cardio workout, since the games were mostly tag games. EVERYONE participated and I felt like that was the best part! No one sat out nor did they groan about the games we were playing. I hope that for every time that we get the large gym, we have a day like today, where all we do is play games! :)

Fun Day!

Today, a group of us played volleyball while other people skipped rope. I did double Dutch it was fun, though I couldn't actually skip. I could only jump in, but not actually skip. After that, we played duck duck goose and telephone. It was really good girl bonding time...I guess you could call it. It was fun! I have a lot of bruising now from volleyball! Underneath is a picture of my arm. Ouch!

On a complete side not, I'm feeling a lot better about the little incident I talked about in my last post. :)

Personal Stuff...

So lately, I've been thinking a lot about self-esteem and self-beauty. Self-Beauty meaning how one defines beauty, and what they find beautiful. I find that we worry too much about outer beauty, rather than inner beauty. We spend so much time thinking about how we look and we spend so much time looking in the mirror, that we often forget about what's on the inside. I realized that there is no real way to see one's inner beauty just from looking at them, hence it's called inner beauty. But there isn't anything that you can use to see inner beauty either. You can use a mirror to see your face and your body, and an x-ray to see your bones and other tools like that. Interesting, eh? Adding on to us spending so much effort on outer beauty, we also spend a lot of time comparing ourselves to everyone and everything. We are constantly comparing ourselves to models and mannequins. Little do we know that we are striving for something nearly impossible. I was watching The Ellen Show a few days ago, and she was talking about how when you try something on in a store that you see on a mannequin, it doesn't look as good. She added to that saying that retailers should have mannequins for ALL body types, not just models-type bodies. We are constantly finding new ways to "look good." I feel like that statement is constantly losing its meaning, since what "looks good" always changes. There will always be new trends that people will want to follow, new technologies that people will want to upgrade to, new ways of staying youthful, etc. We are constantly looking for ways to look youthful and look "better." But we keep losing sight of what makes us FEEL beautiful, in all the commotion of the pursuit of outer beauty.

I was just thinking about this thought, because my mom and I had an interesting conversation. It was about weight. So after dinner, my mom asked me what my weight was. I hesitantly told her. Surprised, she asked me if I was in the healthy region. I said yes. She asked again to make sure, as if I was lying! After I reassured her that I was in the healthy region, she rejoiced. She shouted, "Oh my gosh! I weigh less than you?" And to my surprise, my sister jumps in and says that she and my mom weigh the same. They then rejoiced together, as if it was some sort of accomplishment, or something. I felt completely betrayed and hurt. My mom is supposed to support me with my insecurities, yet she mocks my weight. I've always had a problem with my weight, and the fact that my mom would compare herself to me really hurt me even more. Actually, what hurt the most was the fact that, when this happened, I had high self-esteem, and felt really confident in myself. I FELT BEAUTIFUL. And I felt like they just knocked me down from my state of happiness with myself, when I was soaring high. And I didn't cry, at least not in front of them, since I knew that they would just apologize for making me cry, and not apologize for the right reason. I feel like my mom isn't my mom anymore...I don't talk to her, nor my sister, because I just don't want to be influenced by the negative energy that they both have. The worst part is that my mom didn't think she said anything wrong. I hate that.

But I just need to remind myself that I don't NEED to weigh the same as my sister, or my mom, or anyone else. Everyone has different body types, and maybe mine is just different from anyone else's. I don't NEED to look like a model from a magazine or wear a pound of make up to correct my flaws. I just need to be happy with myself and be happy with who I am.

And I am exactly that. I am happy to be me. I am proud to be me. I wouldn't want to be anyone else. I FEEL BEAUTIFUL, both inside and out. I feel that for once in my life, I am completely welcoming of my flaws, and finally happy with myself. :)

I'll end by saying this, "Let us not use a mirror to determine our beauty, but rather, use our hearts."

Tired...

Today, we did a fitness consisting of a short community run and a hill run. It was really hard! The community run wasn't too bad, but the hill run is a whole other story. We had to run up a hill ten times, up and down. I do have to day though that I did quite well. I ran and maintained a steady pace when doing the community run. The hill run was not too bad either. I ran as fast as I could and walked the whole way down. I think I enjoyed running up the hill the most. The hill was the part where I could just run. All I had to think about was getting to the top of that hill. I had no thoughts about what I'm going to do for the rest of the day, or the homework I have. I was free. Haha, it reminds me of Miley Cyrus' song, "The Climb!" ;P
Anyways, I didn't really like going down the hill since that implies that I had to slow down or stop, and when I slow down, I can't seem to stop slowing down, since I get so used to it. But it was a good cardio workout. I had fun racing with Pryia up the hill, even though she probably didn't even know that we were racing. Don't tell her! I enjoyed this workout, I just wish it didn't rain! Hope we do this again, and I hope we do more cardio workouts.

SO SORE! ;(

So today we did fitness, a half on, half off type of fitness. It's apparently new, called the "Extremely Loco-Locomotion," I believe. And it stays true to its name! It's different, and I like that. It was awesome! My legs hurt even more than they did before! But liked said in my previous posts, no pain, no gain! I had a really good workout, turned as red as a tomato, and pushed myself. Though there were times at which I felt I should have gone to the very last second, I still felt a sense of accomplishment. I worked hard and feel as if I only need to improve on pushing myself even more next time- going a bit faster, going until the buzzer sounds, etc. I really hope we do something like that again! :D the only suggestion that I have is that we split up into smaller groups, so that everyone can be seen. It seemed as if there were a lot of people who had to be told to get up and do the activity. I felt kinda bad for the people who didn't participate, because they wouldn't benefit from it. Oh well, it's their life...they can do what they want...
But other than that, everything was pretty cool, maybe switching up the activities for the next time, so that it doesn't get too repetitive. But yeah, it was a good workout! I really enjoyed it! :)

My Reward :)

I am now rewarding myself for my efforts in my workout today and for working hard in my French, English and Biology classes! I studied hard and I can't wait to get this stressful week over with!

Nike Training

Today, we used the iPads to use this app called NikeTraining. I had actually already used this app this past summer. I was trying to finish up my GTP physical activity hours for my grade 10 year. However, I didn't use it a lot, since I needed equipment, and at the time I didn't know how to modify it so that I could do it even without the equipment. But I have had experience with it before and the first time I tried it, it really pushed me. I was practically drowning in my own sweat! Eww! But at least I had a good workout. Even today, my body was drenched in sweat. I did hurt myself today though, my hamstrings hurt like crazy when I bend! :/ oh well, no pain, no gain! :)

I Feel SO Good!

Today, our GetFit class ran the Scottish mile around the lower field, on which I I saw the yellow leaves of fall on the moist ground that was recently thawed by the warm sun. Sorry, I'm trying to improve my English writing... So anyways, I am really proud of myself today, because I ran the whole 20-25 minutes, I rarely slowed down, and tried to maintain a constant pace. In fact, a few of the girls and I ran, or even sprinted, to the finish. Even as others were walking when out of the teachers' sight, we kept going! I tried to encourage my group to keep going and told them to push to the finish! I'm really proud of my efforts today, as well as the efforts of the group. Awesome job, girls!

Miss Representation

So, a few days ago, we watched a documentary called "Miss Representation," and after having watched this, I had a sort of "epiphany." It really changed my perspective about the media and how both women and girls are portrayed in the media. As many of us may know, the media is everywhere! It's crazy how many places you can see the media's presence - magazines, the television, newspapers, etc. Now, I'm not saying that I am  completely against media, that's not it at all. The media is a way to stay active in the world, and get to know what goes on in the world. However, I am opposed to the fact that women are perceived in such derogatory and sexist ways, especially the women who want to "make their mark on the world" and "leave a positive footprint." When women are shown like this, especially when children are watching, they start to think that it's an okay thing to do, or that women are supposed to be treated that way. For example, Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin. Both of them worked hard to get to where they are now. They have an outstanding education and are very suited to have high political power. However, the only thing that the media looks at and shows us is their appearance, which is total BS! I think that, like one of the girls said in the documentary, women should be praised for their accomplishments, rather than their appearance. Women should be praised for being the "Best Doctor," having discovered a new medical vaccination, etc. Actually, if I had a boyfriend, I would actually rather have him say that I'm really smart, than say that I'm "hot" or "sexy." Not that I am...I think I'm beautiful. :) And I think all girls should have this thought in their minds. Girls need to focus more on inner beauty than outer beauty. I keep trying to teach my little sister this. That she is beautiful, no matter what anyone says. No matter how ugly she feels, she will always be beautiful in my eyes. I always try to compliment her talents - she loves to sing, and she sings her heart out! I also try to teach my little brother how to treat a girl. I always tell him not to do drugs, and not to be tempted by alcohol and all those types of things, because they are dangerous. But I think the most important thing I have tried to instill in him is how to treat girls, and all people in general. I try to tell him that he doesn't have to do something if he doesn't want to, and not to follow the crowd if they are doing something that he doesn't think is right. As well, to stand up for people who he sees are getting hurt. I feel like it's my duty to tell them this, because if I don't, then who will?

There is also the idea that women criticize way too much. And I strongly believe this. Growing up, I have always been surrounded by a "negative energy", and I learned early on that it's okay to judge people, since I saw others do that. But this had a major impact on me as I was growing up, and even so today. I'm always scared about the types of things others might say about how I look, and what I wear - if it shows too much skin, or if it's a type of style that's not a "fad".

And I think that the fact that I have heard so many people verbally "bag" on women, has a huge impact on my siblings and I. Actually today, when I got home from school, I turned on the TV, and my little sister was there, and we were watching the Family channel. She made a remark about the Frog Princess, since there was a short clip on the movie. And she said, "I hope the frog isn't white."
Shocked that my little sister could even say that, I said, "Why"
And she said, "Because if he is white, they wouldn't look good together."
And I said, "Hey, that's not very nice. Don't say anything like that ever again!"
I just find it scary that a 10 year old girl would even say that, or even notice something like that. There was also another time when we were, again, watching TV and she said, "That girl is so pretty!"
And I said, "I know! She is."
And she said, "Ugh, I'm so jealous."
And it sort of opened my eyes to the fact that my little sister is growing up in a society which shows girls what "pretty" is. I feel like we are forced to conform into this type of mold that society has created. We have created a society which tells girls that they are only beautiful if they wear this or that, or act in a promiscuous way, etc. I feel like, as an immigrant, that I have had to conform to the traditional Canadian ways. And ever since I came here, there has always been that struggle to fit in and be "normal." But then again, who's to say what's normal anymore? Who can say what's beautiful? We, as human beings, can make our own type of beauty, and see it in the way we want to see it. The same goes for "normality." We create our own "normal."

I'm just trying to protect the younger generation of my home from viewing the media as the only way to see what's normal. There have been instances when I have been so insecure about my body and how much I weigh, that I went online to check out what is the actual normal weight for me. And I was in the normal range, and I felt like I still wasn't good enough. I was surrounded by so much "bad energy," that I led myself to believe that I'll never be skinny enough, or good enough for anyone to like me. And I feel like for girls, there is always that pressure to have someone there to compliment you and to be there for you. But I feel like girls need to love themselves first, before they can love somebody else.

It's like this, you have a "love box." And in this love box is the love that you feel for yourself. You have to overflow that love box with the love you have for yourself, so that the overflow can go to the person you love. You get it?

I know this has been a long "vent," but I have a lot of feelings about this documentary. I've actually been planning a "Girl's Club" for school, but I didn't know who to go to for sponsorship for the club. But I have a lot of ideas. The club is just a way for girls to connect and stay positive about themselves. It's a way for girls to have high self-esteem. And I know that this may start to sound like a feminist group, but it's not, it's just a way to help girls be okay with themselves and accept themselves. I've been thinking about this club for a while, and I've wanted to take action, but I feel like we won't get a positive response from the school, meaning that no one would come. But if I can't get the club started in the school, maybe I should start with our Get Fit class.

Anyways, whoever you are that has read until this point, and endured all my talking, and seen my last post, just remember to "Keep Calm and Stay Beautiful," whatever that may mean to you. :)

Love yourself always, and stay strong through those tough times!

Thanks for reading. :)

Miss Representation

I shall be posting a response post to the documentary that we watches this past week. I just have too many thoughts, so I'll use the computer to post it. But for now, I'll give you this photo... :)

Last week...

Last week, we danced our butts off! Yeah! And for fitness we worked on improving fitness test scores by doing the extended, modified beep test, as well as the minute run, minute walk pond run.

I had a really good time at the dance studio, even though I probably only got 50% of the dance moves right. It was really fun, I'm still practicing! :p One of my favorite parts of the dance trip was the warm-up! It really worked all the muscle groups and it pushed me to do better and go faster and get better at pushing myself.

As well, I really enjoyed the fitness days. We did a lot of running, which I like. I feel like I can really push myself to do my very best when I run.
Anyways, for the pond run, I never stopped moving, and I was really proud of myself for that. I also only walked when told to do so. For the modified beep test, I tried to only limit myself to three stops and one run, like they told us. However, at times, I stopped for four times at a stop...not sure if I did that wrong or right.

This week was a very eventful week and I enjoyed pushing myself to do my very best.

Getting to Know Your Classmates

There are a lot of things that I have accomplished so far this semester, and are very proud of. First of all, I have made a great improvement in a lot of the fitness tests. For example, I limit myself to only three stops for every run, when doing the modified, extended beep test. Furthermore, I am very proud of the improvement I have made with my internal motivation. I have really tried to push mysef to do my very best, and to exceed the expectations I set for myself.

I have taken this Get Fit class as a learning opportunity, as well. The most important thing I have learned from this class, in particular is that I have to take responsibility for my own health. This is the MOST important thing for me, because I can use it later in life. I have learned that you only benefit from exercise as much as you put in.

My goal for the end of the course is to have a really sturdy internal motivation. I really need to keep thinking, "mind over matter." With this in my mind, I can finally get a 10 on the beep test, which I have been working towards for my entire highschool life.

I'm going INSANE!

Just kidding! Anyways, enough with the jokes...

Today, we did insanity for fitness. It was much easier today, than it was last time. There was a lot less cardio. But I don't mind cardio either. I think the insanity we did today helped me improve my motivation. I really pushed myself to keep going, to not stop, especially when I'm only uncomfortable, and not even hurting...yet! Today was really good for me, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. I think insanity is one of my favourite fitness activities, because it helps me improve so many things that I want to improve on : internalizing my motivation, improving fitness scores, etc.

I HAD SO MUCH FUN! :)

Extended Beep Test

For fitness yesterday, we did an extended beep test. We were encouraged to try to run one for every 1-2 breaks. I really tried my best to run as much as possible. However, there were about 2 times in which I took three beep breaks, and then ran. That was really hard. This fitness day pushed me both physically and emotionally. Next time, I'm going to try to run two and break two, or run one and break one. Try to push myself more, and motivate myself to do more! :)

This is INSANITY! :P

Today, for fitness, we had a choice between yoga and insanity. I chose insanity! I had done this already last year, and felt that I got a lot out of it. I worked really hard today!!! I push myself to the extreme and really set my own expectations high! I reached all the goals I set for myself today. Some of which include sweating like a maniac, pushing myself to go a little faster each time, not stopping under any circumstances, and modifying the activities, so that I wouldn't need to stop. I did all these things! Yay! :D I even got a few high fives from the teachers for my hard work! Today was a good day...I know because my muscles are super duper sore! But I'm happy about that! It means I pushed myself to the limit. I feel like I really proved to myself that "you get out of it what you put in". SO HAPPY WITH MYSELF! :D

Weight Room With Actual Weights?

Weight, hold on a second! (pun intended) girls can use weights?

Throughout my entire high school life, I've never been told "we're going to be working with weights this week" - especially being a girl. It's always been the boys that the teacher talks to about weights. I learned so many things this week. I learned about the muscles and how they work (contracting) and also about the things I can do to build some muscle. For me, I usually do weights anyways, but my PE teachers have told me most of the time that The weights I have are too heavy, in order to prevent me from becoming too muscular, but I think that a little muscle is good. I don't know if it's weird that I think that or if I'm the only one, but that's just what I think. I really liked going to the weight room, and after learning all this new information, I actually have more motivation to do so. I'm really surprised actually at how much weight I can endure. I was really amazed at my ability to push myself! I'm really happy with myself! :) I can feel the soreness coming! :/ but that's okay, it just means I'm building more muscles!!! :)

Hub + Gym Circuit

Today, we did a 40 minute non-stop circuit, which included climbing stairs and going through people who hit you with these hard pillow-like things. I worked really hard! I really tried to keep my heart rate up and keep jogging as much as I possibly could. I also tried to do all the things that were in the circuit, including going through the hockey nets and also climbing over the obstacle and then onto that mat. I tried really hard to take no breaks.. And I was successful! It's those types of moments, when I find out something I do now that I could t do last year, that make me feel a sense of accomplishment, and therefore motivate me to do EVEN BETTER!! :)

Skating Day

So yesterday, there was a field trip for skating. I unfortunately could not make it, as I was in my bio class, and I didn't really want to miss anything, especially since we were doing 2 labs that day. I think I was kinda scared of going, because when I missed a couple of days for my wisdom teeth extraction, it was quite difficult for me to catch up on my homework... But then again, we only had to leave a few minutes before the bell, which is unfortunate, because if I hadn't been so worried, I could have gone. :( in the end, I think I took the easy road, and I think it was really unfortunate that I chose not to go, because I do think that the field trips are really good for us, as girls, since it shows us what we can do outside of class. Next time, I will really try to go to the field trip, regardless of my many worries.

DANCE WEEK!

So this week, we did dance! I had a lot of fun, even though some of the dances were pretty hard... :( I still tried my best though! I really like dance actually, it doesn't feel like you're exercising, but you actually are! Which is pretty cool. :)

Woo Kim

Today, we went to Woo Kim! It was so much fun! I had a really good time! I learned a lot of things too! Like self defense techniques! I had so much fun! Lots of smiles, laughter and POSITIVE ENERGY!! :) I kinda wanna go there again in my own time too, maybe with a few friends- i think it would be lots of fun! :D

Reflection

So far this semester, I have been very motivated to participate in Get Fit. I always try to participate as much as I possibly can, in order to get as much out of the activities as I can. There are two main things that motivate me: positivity and the feeling of having accomplished something. I always feel as if I am the most motivated when I am with people who have positive energy. It always helps to have someone there to encourage you and help you stay motivated. I am also motivated by the feeling of having accomplished something. It makes me feel that I CAN do anything if I put my best effort into it. 

In Get Fit, I have enjoyed having field trips that allow us to go out of our comfort zones and have fun doing it. I think it really helps us see the types of activities we can do, once we get out of high school. I think it also helps us see our strengths and see the things we like to do, which in turn motivates us to do more activities outside of school hours.

I have seen many improvements in my fitness. For example, usually when the school year starts, my beep test score would only be 6-7, because I wasn't in the best shape. However, this year, I got a score that I am very happy with. I have also seen improvements in hill runs. Usually, I would take breaks. But now, I find that I don't take breaks anymore.

I have contributed to my personal success in the class by always going that extra mile. I always try to push myself to do more than what I expected. For example, when we do partner circuits (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off), I always try to do at least five activities which I do the full minute. And when I come across an activity that I don't necessarily like, I always say to myself, "Come on, you can do it! It's only a few seconds more!" I have also contributed to the success of the class by trying not to have a negative energy. I always try to smile and be positive, even if I haven't had such a good day.

I can improve by helping out more, and taking more initiative when we're doing something that needs setting up. I also want to improve my leadership skills, especially when we do block-wide fitness, to help the younger grades stay motivated, and to encourage them, as well.

Something I would REALLY like to accomplish this semester is to get a 10 for a beep test score. I feel like I finally have enough strength - both physical and mental - to achieve this goal. I feel as if I finally have enough motivation and enough endurance to achieve this. 

Burning Off Thanksgiving Dinner

On Tuesday, we did a half run and half circuit. However, I wasn't feeling to good, because I had just recently gotten my wisdom teeth taken out. At first, I wasn't going to do it at all, but i tried to do a modified version - only 70% "energy".

Yesterday, we did Zumba, and I had a lot more energy. I had a lot of fun! But i need to work on my hip movements! :P

Today, we did bhangra. It's really fun! I had so much energy, but we only did a few dances.

Splitz

Today we went to Splitz to do some gymnastics. It was so much fun! I felt like a kid all over again! I really want to go again! I relived my childhood years- I did a somersault, climb on the bars and spun around on them, and swung on the ropes! It was so much fun!!!!! :)

ZUMBA!!

Today we did Zumba, and it was so much fun! I got like none of the steps right, but I had a lot of fun and good exercise...maybe I should sign up for some classes... :)

Hill Run

Today we did the hill run. I was really proud of myself because we were allowed to take one break, but I did all 21 runs! YAY! :) Next time I really want to improve my speed by using my arms more and pushing myself harder! PUSH!

Badminton

Today, we actually played games...badminton. To be honest though, badminton is not really my sport, but I really liked that we at least played a game. It was really fun! I think we should play more games though instead of just yoga and work outs. Today was an okay day for me...THE END... :)

September 25, 2012

Today's circuit workout/ fitness day was actually really fun! I had a really good work out and I sweat so much! But anyways, I feel like I gave my all today! I improved my pushup number by around 5-9, now I can do about 15-18 full pushups non-stop! I'm really proud if myself today! :D

Fitness Scores

Beep Test- 8.6
Body Press - 9
Body Bridge - 90 sec.
T-Test - 14.26 sec.
Sit and Reach - 5
Max Vertical - 27
Board Touches - 13

I'm actually really proud of myself for my beep test score! I was hoping to get at least a 7.5 but I really tried to push myself to do better. My hope is by the end of the semester is to get at least a 10 (my first) on the beep test. An 8.6 is actually one of my best, considering it is the start of the year. At the start, I usually only get a 6-7, so really proud of myself for that!

I really want to improve my body bridge. From 90 seconds to 180 seconds, which was my best time last year.

I also want to improve from 9 push-ups to 20 or more...because I didn't feel like I pushed myself enough to keep going.

Those are my main points to improve on. I'm really going to try hard to improve on these this year!

Get Fit T-shirt Idea!

This is what I think our shirt should be like! :D

Strengths and Weaknesses

For this year, I really want to work on my weaknesses, and to do this I need to...

-really push myself to do my very best
-not give up when I get only a bit uncomfortable

I feel that I am really good at...

-motivating both myself and others to go that extra mile and to do even more than what is expected
-running (for me, it's like an outlet, a way to think and let out all the bad energy that I may have)
-having positive energy! :)

Finally Finished the Grouse Grind!

This past summer, my family and I did the Grouse Grind, making the Grind I did just recently my second time going up. I was a bit disappointed in myself because I really wanted to beat my time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. But I think I spent so much time trying to beat my time, that I forgot to pace myself and ended up getting up in around 1 hour and 40 minutes. :/ but that's okay... I know for next time that I need to pace myself. :) I was really proud of myself though for at least motivating myself enough to finish the grind!

In the Beginning...

So far in my Get Git journey, I have done the Grouse Grind, gone through fitness days, did yoga, power walked to City Hall, and did a lot of running. I've had a ton of fun so far!