My Fitness Goals for 2017!

1. WORK OUT AFTER THE SWIM SEASON

My biggest problem is that I convince myself that it's okay if I don't end up going out of my way to work out because I practice 2-4 times a week for swim (if you guys don't know, I'm on the swim team at my school). So between mid-February and September, I'm not working out or staying in shape. 2016 was an exception because I decided to join the frisbee team, which happened to be after the swim season and I also had 3 practices a week. Also, in the summer, I would go to a ultimate frisbee club with my teammates weekly. BUT I'm not 100% sure I will join the frisbee team this year due to other extra curriculars that I am involved in.

P.S. Regionals are 2 weeks away and I am freaking out!!! Trying to fit in as many workouts as I can, between now and February 7th, to be in the best shape possible. With that being said, don't push yourself too much. This doesn't mean excessive hours dedicated to strengthening my arms and legs. But a simple stretch will do!

2. TRY TO EAT VEGETARIAN FOR A WEEK

This would say "Try to eat Vegan for a week", but I am not vegan or a vegetarian, so I would have to get used to eating vegetarian first. Baby steps... In my family and my culture, we do eat meat, and it's kind of integrated into our lifestyle, so adjusting to a vegetarian lifestyle would be difficult. I'm not saying I won't EVER eat vegan or vegetarian, because I have. But I'm also not saying that I am going to switch to vegan. I've heard a lot about the benefits of eating vegan, so it's just something that I'd like to try out. 

3. WORK ON MY FLEXIBILITY

I've wanted to be flexible for as long as I can remember. When I was in grade 2, which was probably the time I was most flexible, I was able to do those stretches where the tip of your feet touch your head. I could also do double cartwheels! Ah... the old days. I miss that time and I want to be able to do that again. A few years ago, I discovered the show 'Dance Moms'. After seeing all the beautiful dancers on the show, I've begun to fall in love with the art of dance. Unfortunately, my parents weren't able to put me into ballet classes when I was younger. 

4. GET INTO YOGA?

This also goes with #3. I've come across a few yoga instagram accounts and it just looks so relaxing! I actually tried out a quick 7 minute yoga workout and it was definitely relaxing in comparison to the workouts I'm used to. 

5. TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE

I can already see that I'm going to push myself a bit too much. Taking time to yourself to relax and cool down from the stress is crucial. I feel like I'm always putting myself in such stressful situations and through it all, I haven't had any time to take a break.

6. INSTEAD OF BUYING IT, MAKE IT

Last year, I bought a lot of bubble tea and Starbucks. Guilty. But not only did it drain my wallet, it wasn't good for my body to be drinking all these sugar-filled drinks so often. Around the beginning of 2016 and in 2015, I always made smoothies at home with real fruits! I don't understand why I didn't stick to that routine because it's definitely a healthier alternative.

7. PRACTICE ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Although I may not be joining the team again this year, I still want to get better at the sport. Unfortunately I won't be joining because I am too involved in clubs. Which is partially my fault for biting off more than I can chew. I genuinely enjoy playing sports, and frisbee is such a fun sport to be doing when you're chilling with friends anywhere. It's lightweight, unlike a basketball. Also, if I do end up deciding to tryout again in my senior year, at least I'll be able to play decently. Unlike now, whereas I haven't touched a disc since the summertime.

8. DAILY 10-20 MINUTE STRETCH BEFORE BED

I've started to do this at the beginning of this week. I'm going to try and make it my goal for this year to take 10-20 minutes out of my night and stretch before bed. It feels so good to loosen up, and also I said that I wanted to be more flexible.

work hard, play hard

Obviously I will be adding more fitness goals as the year goes on, but for now, these are my main ones. Try and explore some workout apps! The ones my coaches use at our swim team practices are Sworkit and the Nike Training Club app (not sponsored, I just find these apps helpful)! I've been using Sworkit for my daily stretch workouts! I've been using it for 2 weeks now, and although I cannot see physical changes, I definitely see a change in my regular workouts. I don't seem to be as tired or soar after practice, which is great!!!