While Southern California is known for its ever sunny skies, last week was a wet one, putting a bit of a damper on the fitness club. After taking Monday off, due to MLK day, (we are on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday plan) I looked forward to meeting with the kids on Wednesday. Due to the inclement weather and lack of indoor space, as the gym is used for Biddy Basketball right now, I had to rethink my game plan. Instead of using our session to train, I used our time to meet with the kids individually and talk to them about their goals for the fitness group. While some of the goals varied between getting ready for track season to losing weight, there was a common thread in that all of the teens realize that they may not be as fit as they could be and want to amend that. I was also able to gain a grasp of what types of exercises they are interested in to achieve that purpose.
The following day, being just as disagreeable as the the previous one, was also an indoors session. As a couple of the teens are interested in increased flexibility and strength, I thought that yoga, which could be performed in the small indoor space available to us, would be a great fit. I was pleased that 7 of the kids decided to join in on the activity, as I was worried that they'd dismiss the practice as too granola, hippy-dippy for their urban tastes. While I tried to keep the exercises basic, I was surprised how difficult they found yoga in terms of flexibility and strength. Even the "tough" boys complained about how hard some of the poses were to hold! While I may not have turned them into yogis, I'm glad to have exposed them to a new exercise. That being said, I'm not sure as though it was the best fit for my group. I guess that both they and I are learning our way through this process!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Week 1 of Teen Fit Club!
When I designed my project a few months ago, I had anticipated starting in April, after my Santa Monica training camp. This plan, however, did not take into account the fact that I'd be chomping at the bit, wanting to start my volunteering before that date. Just before starting my Boulder to Santa Monica drive, I did some investigation and found out there was a Boys and Girls Club in Santa Monica. More importantly, they seemed eager to have me come volunteer! Fortuitously, the teens had recently been clamoring for a fitness group- a void that I could certainly fill!
In doing this project, I wanted to take the needs and wants of the teens into consideration. After all, the more input they have results in more ownership of the program. I sat down with the interested teens and we decided upon three sessions a week of roughly an hour apiece. While that may change based on interest, I am really excited that they want to meet so frequently. As an additional incentive, I've promised an awards program based on attendance. I'm trying to get some of my sponsors on board with this idea, providing free stuff when certain benchmarks have been achieved. After all, everyone loves prizes!
We had our first sessions on Wednesday and Thursday last week. The first session was a bit eye-opening, as the kids showed up in trendy sneakers and tight jeans, despite my request for them to wear comfortable clothing. Furthermore, their cellphones provided quite a bit of distraction, as they were text-messaging during the session. Needless to say, cellphones were banned for the following day's session! I was greatly encouraged by their high energy levels and I think that we can channel that energy into our training. While the fitness and discipline levels are pretty variable, I am optimistic that I can get my kids doing some quality workout sessions. My biggest challenge will be to hold their attention! I welcome any suggestions!
In doing this project, I wanted to take the needs and wants of the teens into consideration. After all, the more input they have results in more ownership of the program. I sat down with the interested teens and we decided upon three sessions a week of roughly an hour apiece. While that may change based on interest, I am really excited that they want to meet so frequently. As an additional incentive, I've promised an awards program based on attendance. I'm trying to get some of my sponsors on board with this idea, providing free stuff when certain benchmarks have been achieved. After all, everyone loves prizes!
We had our first sessions on Wednesday and Thursday last week. The first session was a bit eye-opening, as the kids showed up in trendy sneakers and tight jeans, despite my request for them to wear comfortable clothing. Furthermore, their cellphones provided quite a bit of distraction, as they were text-messaging during the session. Needless to say, cellphones were banned for the following day's session! I was greatly encouraged by their high energy levels and I think that we can channel that energy into our training. While the fitness and discipline levels are pretty variable, I am optimistic that I can get my kids doing some quality workout sessions. My biggest challenge will be to hold their attention! I welcome any suggestions!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Kindness of strangers
For the past week, I've been in unfamiliar surroundings, staying in an unfamiliar place and meeting, with the exception of of training group, people previously unknown to me. Despite the newness of it all, I've found myself surprisingly comfortable in my new environs. I can't but feel that this is due to the people I've encountered out here in California. In particular, my homestay Richard has treated me with exceptional warmth and openness. Going into a homestay situation, both parties approach the encounter with some trepidation. After all, you agree to open your home to a perfect stranger and, as the guest, you agree to live with someone who is and whose home is utterly unknown to you. Somehow, both parties are willing to put faith in the other that everything will work out. It is, quite frankly, a gamble that we take and that sometimes goes awry. While I have had the good luck to never have a nightmare homestay experience, some of my friends have had less-than-pleasant experiences.
In addition to the generosity and kindness that Richard has shown, I've only encountered people in Santa Monica who are helpful. From the other cyclists I've encountered to my new neighbors, the people I've met have completely destroyed the self-centered SoCal stereotype (sorry- it is true!). In what I do for a living, I so frequently count on people I've never met to help me with sponsorship, advice or housing. It certainly brings to mind Blanche DuBois in a Streetcar Named Desire when she says "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." In my experience out in Santa Monica, the kindness of strangers has thus far been genuine and extensive.
In addition to the generosity and kindness that Richard has shown, I've only encountered people in Santa Monica who are helpful. From the other cyclists I've encountered to my new neighbors, the people I've met have completely destroyed the self-centered SoCal stereotype (sorry- it is true!). In what I do for a living, I so frequently count on people I've never met to help me with sponsorship, advice or housing. It certainly brings to mind Blanche DuBois in a Streetcar Named Desire when she says "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." In my experience out in Santa Monica, the kindness of strangers has thus far been genuine and extensive.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Oh! The places you'll go!
Upon completing high school and college, countless scores of graduates receive Dr. Seuss' Oh! The Places You'll Go!. Appropriate for recent grads, I find the book also highly appropriate for the New Year. After all, what does the New Year represent more than new beginnings? To wit, "You can steer yourself any direction you choose...And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go." This year, where I will go is towards my dream!
As I enter 2008, I do so with great anticipation. For those of us trying to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, these next few months are a critical period for growth, both physical and mental. While this period will be highly challenging (or "character building", as my coach might say), I recognize that process is just as important, if not more so, than the outcome. Whether or not I qualify for the Olympic team, I am confident that someday I will draw upon the lessons that I'll learn. As the book tells us, Hang-ups, which lead to Lurches and Slumps, are inevitable. How we react to these challenges define us, however.
Whether we dream big or small, our dreams are present and alive (although dormant in most, I find!). In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!". Whatever your dream is, why not go after it in '08? No matter the result, the outcome is great!
Happy New Year!
As I enter 2008, I do so with great anticipation. For those of us trying to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, these next few months are a critical period for growth, both physical and mental. While this period will be highly challenging (or "character building", as my coach might say), I recognize that process is just as important, if not more so, than the outcome. Whether or not I qualify for the Olympic team, I am confident that someday I will draw upon the lessons that I'll learn. As the book tells us, Hang-ups, which lead to Lurches and Slumps, are inevitable. How we react to these challenges define us, however.
Whether we dream big or small, our dreams are present and alive (although dormant in most, I find!). In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!". Whatever your dream is, why not go after it in '08? No matter the result, the outcome is great!
Happy New Year!
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