I'm working out: Day 7

Yesterday, my team placed second in the volleyball tournament.

After putting so much hard work and effort into something, it’s really rewarding to actually see the results.

The first game was a little rough, though. We were still warming up and trying to find each players’ role in the match.

Yet we kept it together and went with the flow, playing defense and coming out with a win.

The second game we played more like a team, calling the ball and really nailing our serves.

Just before the final round, we were watching other teams’ strategies, observing whom we may play next.

The last game we were simply outplayed. They had more volleys than we did; they deserved first place.

Nonetheless, at the end of the day we were proud of ourselves for working together and coming home with a second place trophy.

As an added bonus, it was 72 degrees outside and each of us got a little color.

After the tournament I went home and relaxed on the couch, realizing my official week of working out. I didn’t have to incorporate exercise into my schedule anymore if I didn’t feel like it, or have the time.

But I’ve decided I’m going to work out at least three or four times a week from here on out. It’ll probably end up being on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday/Saturday.

My favorite work out was swimming laps at IM West or doing yoga. Yoga de-stressed me at the end of the week, doing a much better job than venting to a roommate. Swimming felt really relaxing as well, like you were having fun and getting exercise at the same time.

Other than those two routines, I think I’m going to keep up on the elliptical, doing a rigorous cardio work out at least once a week.

All I know is I’m going to keep it fresh and new every day, thinking of something different to prevent me from getting bored.

I simply needed the motivation to get “back into the swing of things” and make time to keep myself healthy.

Everyone can find 20 minutes in their day to do a quick work out routine. It’s possible, even with a hectic schedule. I swear.

One pattern arose over the week was not related to working out.

Well, maybe it was but it still was something I didn’t think about very often.

I found myself eating healthier. I would find myself thinking about how many calories were in each item, slowly realizing I only burned 250 calories in one workout, for instance.

After exercising, I felt so good about myself that I didn’t want to mess that up by putting sugar and fat into my body.

I would order salads for dinner instead of sandwiches or the occasional burger. I didn’t want to give into sugary sweet temptations. I found myself snacking on more fruit (bananas have become a staple).

It’s not that I’m overweight, though. It’s more about giving my body the nutrients and attention it needs and deserves.

I believe that being healthy is a blend physical fitness and the food you put into your body.

I guess this week turned into more than just working out for seven days straight.

It has turned into helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle and keeping the right habits in line as I grow older.