My Personal Fitness

 I grew up playing sports and always being active. I started to really take fitness and training seriously around 2018 when I was about 14 and have stayed very consistent since. Fitness has been a major part of my life, both physically and mentally. I believe fitness is a very important and beneficial tool that is underused. According to the CDC, only 46.9% of U.S. adults reach aerobic physical activity guidelines, and only 24.2% of adults meet the aerobic and muscle strengthening activity guidelines. This is a major reason why obesity surpassed hunger as the U.S. leading epidemic. 

Mixing in a variety of strength training, aerobic training, HIIT, and stretching/mobility is very important for me. Each type of training benefits not just different areas  physically, but mentally. For example,  aerobic training increases the release of endorphins and serotonin, which can improve mood and help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Yoga and exercises such as swimming, cycling, running help improve cognitive function as blood flow increases to the brain. 

Besides what I do for athletic performance, yoga has helped very much mentally. It helps me calm down,  encourages self-awareness and emotional balance through mindfulness and controlled movement. Yoga is very under utilized with athletes, and everyone that is looking to expand there fitness regime. 

One of the most important things to stay consistent in fitness and daily physical activity is finding things to do that you like. There are so many different options when it comes to exercising, whether that is going on a swim on a hot summer day, or playing a sport for your school. Finding what you enjoy will help you enjoy the process of benefiting your body.