Saints & the NFL Draft

Hey everyone! In honor of the draft a couple weeks ago, I've decided to dedicate today's post to just that. Now, I'm going to warn you that when I talk sports and decisions in sports, I sound kinda dry. This is serious stuff to me and I like to handle my opinions professionally and well... kinda like a guy. Haha, I apologize to all my female readers ahead of time! So in the next few paragraphs, it's going to be straight up information, no heightened emotion or my usual exclamation points! Hope y'all enjoy!

Let me just say first that I think the Saints had a good draft. Could have been better, but I actually am pretty satisfied with it. The defense is what had me worried. My first instinct was that we needed a pass rushing linebacker like Jarvis Jones, but then I got to thinking that the secondary also needed help. Kenny Vacarro out of Texas was a solid choice if the team decided to go in that direction. He will be an improvement to the secondary if they either move Roman Harper to safety or Malcolm Jenkins to the nickelback position. Overall, the first round pick was a success.

I really thought the third round picks were great choices. Moving to the 3-4 defense, a nose tackle position is vital. John Jenkins from Georgia is a great pick up, especially getting him in the third round. He will probably not be an every down player for the first couple years, but has potential to do very well in Rob Ryan's system.  My favorite pick is Terron Armstead, offensive tackle out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He fills the need at left tackle and provides a different feature. He has unusual speed for an offensive lineman, which could benefit Drew Brees when the other team sends their best pass rusher.

The lack of picks the Saints had means each pick is seen as bigger than normal. So while many don't understand choosing a wide receiver, I think it will work. Anytime you can help an offense as prolific as the Saints' offense, it is a good pick. Kenny Stills will contribute at that position. The last pick was Rufus Johnson, a defensive end from a small school, Tarleton State. I don't know much about him, but any defensive help is a good choice. Overall, I was satisfied with the Saints draft and think they'll improve from their 7-9 season. Or hopefully they will. I can't handle another season like the last... fell asleep through the games way too much. Haha just kidding, but really I did get bored out of my mind sometimes.

Oh, and feel free to leave your opinions in the comments below. I'm totally open to discussion and hearing what all y'all have to say. Until then, have a great one and take it easy!

Group Fitness Certification

How's everyone doing today?

As my usual readers know, I'm in the midst of obtaining a undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy. My classes consist of the usual science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics, along with multiple kinesiology classes and activities. I love those classes so much, especially the activities. Those classes are just one hour courses that are some type of exercise like tennis, jogging, aerobics, etc. I took my first one this semester and chose aerobics. It was so much fun and I learned how to work out my body without even hitting the gym. 

I learned things like the stagger push-up. Its such an amazing tool! It works the pectoralis major (chest), triceps brachii (triceps), rectus abdominus (abs), and external obliques. You should definitely give them a shot! I listed a website down below that has a video on how to do them, so check it out!

https://youtrainfitness.com/the-benefits-of-performing-staggered-pushups/

One of the best things I took from the class was an interest in being a group fitness instructor. We were all divided into small groups and assigned a day to teach the class our own workout for the entire class period. We had to combine 20 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of cardio. We could do anything we wanted as long as we met requirements. Some groups did dance, while others did adaptations of Insanity type stuff. I chose to do kick boxing combinations and the class loved it! I felt really confident teaching and it all came to me naturally. At the end of the class, a few students and the teacher came up to me and said I should consider getting certified to teach group fitness classes at the Rec!

(I actually learned how to do a lot of the moves I taught from Turbo Jam! This is a great program to check out if you're looking to spice up your at-home workouts.)

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/turbo-jam.do

Long story, short... I have decided to begin the process of becoming certified! I have ordered the study materials and am signed up to take the class in August! I'm beyond excited; not only will this look good on my graduate school application, but it will also give me more experience and knowledge in this awesome field... and hey, it may come with a little side of cash! ;)

This website is where I did all of the research, ordering, and signing up. They also have personal training certifications as well. 

http://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/group-fitness-certification/default.aspx

I'm super excited on where this journey is going to take me and I hope to keep y'all updated on how it's going!

Later gators!

My health journey

Hello friends! I was thinking about the blog this morning and was wondering what I should post. Asked my BFF and she was recommended that maybe I share something about myself so y'all could get to know me a little more. Well, I think that is a great idea!

So, everyone has obviously seen my love of sports, which is one aspect I would like to play a big part of my career in physical therapy. But health is already a huge part of my future career and it has become a big part of my life. 

During sophomore year of high school, I actually developed an eating disorder. I hated my body or my body type. I had a butt (OH NO!) and thighs, but a tiny waist... What the heck was wrong with me!? I was by no means over weight but I didn't really look like my best friends, who were complete tooth picks. I just wanted to drop a few pounds, but what was a few pounds ended up turning into a summer of not eating, a 90-pound teenager, and an extremely insecure girl.

If she was on the biggest loser... She definitely understands!

The not eating part slowly recovered with the help of friends and family, but the 90-pound teenager turned into an overweight one, and the extremely insecure girl still struggled on the inside. I picked up this book one day out of curiosity and it actually helped to change my perspective on everything.

My journey begun slowly. I dropped a few pounds here or there, but my confidence level improved drastically. Of course, I wanted to lose more weight, what girl doesn't? But I didn't find my worth in it anymore and it didn't have such a strong hold over me. Here are a list of other books on recovering from eating disorders like anorexia and even binge eating. (Just a heads up, they are mainly Christian oriented.) http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=784094&sp=71457

I have a date with this place almost everyday!

It wasn't until my freshman year of college that the weight really started to come off. I was in control of what I could eat and I now had a membership to the gym on campus. I began reading other health books and started working out about 5-6 days a week, and by sophomore year, I was a total of 30 pounds thinner!

Now this does NOT mean I do not still struggle with my weight. I am still working on my relationship with food and I do have my ups and downs. But its the fact that I am still happy in my own skin and I am confident that I can do whatever I set my mind too. That is what being healthy means. You must incorporate these six things to achieve optimum wellness:

So, let this be a lesson that all aspects of your health are important. Don't neglect one for the other and don't overdo one over the other. Balance and moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle! LIFESTYLE! Not a diet or temporary fad. Make being healthy a lifestyle so you can actually have a long life!