I have always been active and my experiences with physical activities started with the very small steps which were more or less accidental. Since the moment I first ran in a field with my friends to learn about exercises that can be systematic, challenging to my body, and mind, I have understood that movement can be exciting, rewarding, and even life-changing. Today, in this article, I would like to tell about my most favorite activities, their reasons why I like them and it has influenced not only my physical condition, but my psychological as well as my social life.
Running: The Liberty of the Open Road
Among the physical activities, I have always loved running. It is a freeing feeling to get to the track or a street with low traffic and feel the beat of my heart beat the beat of my feet. The first occasion when I started running was when I was in middle school, and it was only because my friends and I wanted to know who could run a kilometer within the shortest time possible. Initially, I had difficulties in taking breaks, only after fewer laps. However, with time, the running process was not only a competition, but also a meditation.
Physically, running makes my heart stronger, lungs have a better capacity, and my legs are also in shape. It provides me with clarity and peace of mind. Most of the time when I am stressed due to school work or because of life in general, a short run will help me release the stress and be back to track. It is also social; running with friends or taking part in races in the community has exposed me to well-wishers who share the same interest in movement.
To anyone who wonders what the science behind it is, running is not the only one when it comes to physical exercises that one is advised to engage in to keep healthy. It doesn’t matter how much you are a beginner or an advanced runner, the trick is to be consistent and have fun at the same time.
Swimming: Diving into a Diesel World
Another type of activity that I love but did not love at the very beginning is swimming. I was introduced to swimming at a tender age, however, it was only during my early teens that I started valuing swimming as a mode of exercise. I was very clumsy and fatigued in the early stages, but after learning the fundamental skill, swimming began to be a complete workout that I enjoyed.
The best thing about swimming is that it is a combination of fitness and relaxation. Water helps in sustaining my body and therefore movements become easier and less stress is added to the joints, which is ideal after other stressful activities. Swimming is good in improving the cardiovascular fitness, providing muscle stamina, and providing flexibility. And it is not only refreshing mentally, but also physically, it makes me feel like floating through the water and forget about all problems and concentrate on what is happening right now.
Swimming may be either individual or collective socially. I like being alone and that is why I prefer laps when I want to be silent but I am also performing with friends in relay races or by playing in the pool. One such event was a small swim meet during which I completed my first 200-meter free race. All the initial challenges I experienced in the pool were worth it because of the exhaustion, excitement, and the feeling of accomplishment I experienced afterward.
Dancing: Communicating With Body Language
Whereas running and swimming are mainly concerned with fitness and stamina, dancing is both a physical and crafty activity. At school talent shows and on-line tutorials I learned how much I loved dancing. Initially, I felt self-conscious regarding my movements and I was afraid that I was not coordinated. However, shortly, I understood that dance is not about being perfect, but about expressing.
Dancing is good in several ways to the body. It enhances coordination, balance, flexibility and heart fitness. It is also a great reliever of stress, and I am able to release my emotions with the help of rhythm and movement. Dance improves creativity and confidence on a mental level, and the ability to work in teams and interact with others on a social level as people are learning new routines.
Among the memorable experiences was when I took part in a cultural show together with a group of friends. We had to dedicate weeks to practicing the choreography, and we had to quit sometimes. However, standing on the stage, dancing to the music along with my friends, and hearing the audience clap was all worth all the bruises and sleepless nights of practice. Dance made me resilient and delighted in the fun of sharing movement with others.
Yoga: Power and Repose in Peace
Yoga is a workout that involves a challenge to both the body and the mind. I first used yoga to enhance my flexibility and posture; otherwise, it was soon a type of mindfulness practice. As compared to running or swimming, yoga focuses on controlled movements and breathing and mental presence.
Yoga makes muscles stronger, improves balance, and increases flexibility physically. It helps in alleviating anxiety and enhancing a feeling of relaxation, which is also mentally stimulating. I began with the simple practices at home, on video tutorials and slowly went on to more intricate poses. It was not only the difficulty in learning to pose like the crow or headstand, but it was also about learning to be patient and to know oneself.
One of such yoga sessions is one I recalled during a rainy afternoon. As I sat in a room, meditating on each breathing experience, I experienced a profound calmness go through me–something that I rarely have when I am busy, as I usually am during my teenage years. Yoga has taught me that fitness is not a high intensity exercise but rather taking your time and appreciating your body.
Friendship Through Fitness: Team Sports
Another type of favorite is team sports as they combine both physical activity and socialization. I have been playing basketball and soccer habitually, and both of them have provided me with essential lessons concerning cooperation, strategy, and perseverance.
The swift running, sudden stop, and jumping in basketball make my legs, core, and coordination stronger. Soccer enhances stamina, agility and cardiovascular health. Other than the physical gains, the playing of these sports creates friendships and community. I remember I participated in a local soccer tournament together with other students. We lost, but victory in small things, being able to help one another on the failures, laugh at the failed attempts, made the process memorable. These are the occasions that I am reminded that physical activity could also build relationships and build meaningful memories.
Hiking: Becoming One with Nature
My most preferred combination of exploration and fitness is probably hiking. Hiking does not feel like an adventure like structured exercises. I began hiking with family during weekend outings to local hikes and trails. The initial climb was tiresome, yet having made it to the top and viewed the panoramic sight, all the muscle-strains on the way up were compensated.
Hiking will make legs stronger, enhance stamina, and healthier cardiovascular. On the psychological level, it relaxes and fills me with gratitude as I relate to nature. Solo hiking gives room to thoughtfulness and hiking with friends or family gives one the opportunity to laugh, collaborate, and share stories. It was one hike I will remember especially because we were on the very summit at sunrise and watched rays of gold fall down the valley–a reward that is worth physical effort.
Achieving Victories and Not Giving Up
There is no physical adventure that is free of difficulties. Sometimes the lack of motivation occurred, and it was difficult to be consistent because of injuries or school assignments. In my case, it was variety and setting of goals. The alternate activities, i.e. running, swimming, yoga, team sports, etc., made it interesting and avoided staleness. It was purposeful and motivational to set some attainable goals, such as running 5 kilometers or mastering a yoga pose.
Friends, family, or online support was also a major factor. Being able to share progress, milestones, or even just be able to chat about the workouts made the process enjoyable. Keep in mind, the point of exercising is not perfection, but improvement, pleasure and taking care of one self.
Inspiring a Healthy Lifestyle
All these experiences have made me understand the fact that exercise is not the only form of physical activity, but it is a form of taking care of the mind, body, and soul. With its mutually exclusive qualities of individual serenity of swimming, the expressive freedom of dance, the social and vitality of team sports, or the reflective serenity of yoga and hiking, each of such activities has its own advantages.
In the eyes of whoever is reading this, I hope that my experience motivates you to discover the kind of physical activities that can appeal to you. You should start small, experiment with various things, and engage in fun rather than just fitness. It will make your body, mind and social life grateful.
Exercise has changed my energy, mood and self-confidence. I have also learnt to take risks, enjoy progress, and enjoy the movement. Exercises are not only routines, but also expeditions, articulations, and journeys to better living, a life which is healthier and happier.
