Slice Of Adventure: Sports

I'm sorely lacking in motivation when it comes to exercising. I'm quite successful at convincing myself that I do not need additional exercise since I'm running after the kids all day long. But I think I'm consuming calories faster than I'm burning them so I've been deliberating about a good workout. Yes, the word here is deliberating and no, I've not acted on it. Until yesterday ...

I finally got off my butt and had a thoroughly enjoyable workout - good, old Captain's Ball. I loved it when I was a student and I'm still loving it. I'm proud to say that I held my own against a bunch of friends in their 20s (I'm a decade older than some of them)! Well, I did scrape my knee but it was due to the competitive streak in me. In the words of my hubby, "It's only a game. Why so serious?" Which I replied in jest,"I love to win. Can't you tell from our arguments!"

The kids were with us at the game and had their own share of fun throwing, catching and chasing after the ball. Baby C was chirpy, singing to herself (happens when's she in a very good mood) on the way back and E asked when we'll play ball again when we reached home that very night. I'm on a high (probably from all that adrenaline) and have a new found motivation for doing sports with the family.

It's important to find the right fit when it comes to choosing the type of exercise. I have a disdain for gyms. I had a gym membership many years back and was motivated initially (because of the cash outlay). I terminated it in the end because after the motivation waned, I used the membership mostly to borrow DVDs and chill out at the lounge!

I've since figured I'm a team sports kind of person. It is so much more fun having a friendly competition. And the fun extends to the post exercise chill out. I still think I'm consuming calories faster than I'm burning them. That's because we indulged in ice-cream immediately after the game!

Taking a break from all that running. And that's me trying to blend in with the young crowd :)

Baby C is delighted each time she gets to hold the ball

Private lessons

Linking up with:

The value of learning a new sport goes beyond the obvious physical benefits. E had his first inline skating lesson on Sunday and it was very interesting to see him in action

The first part of the lesson was monotonous and exhausting. E had to practise the basics repeatedly on a grass patch. He sneaked longing glances at a group of kids who were whizzing around on their blades. He must be feeling somewhat immobilized and bored stiff, performing what seemed like meaningless and repetitive tasks. He wanted to soar but had to first go through the grind.

It became even more challenging when he moved from the grass patch to the ground. He kept falling and had difficulty getting up. So it was back to the grass patch to relearn the basic techniques. I think it is especially frustrating for a kid with his personality. He is impatient, likes to take short cuts and has trouble focusing on the task at hand (when it gets boring). And that is precisely why this sort of training is ideal for him.

Progress was painfully slow. It did not help that his instructor was getting impatient with him. E was getting distracted and the instructor kept on saying,"Are you listening to me?"

What happened next was very enlightening.

Another instructor took over. She was patient and affirming. She praised E for his effort and for whatever little progress he made. The change in E was evident. He was struggling a while ago but progressed quickly with coaching from the second instructor.

What I witnessed here made me realize (with a stronger conviction) what I've always known but failed to take seriously. E needs a lot of affirmation in order to be motivated. Seeing the power of affirmation at work before my very eyes jolted me out of my complacency. I was complacent with my young child's vulnerable self-esteem. I was dishing out affirmation in bite-sized portions but was generous with angry, careless words.

With this new found confidence, E started to give instructions to another boy who was still a little wobbly. The bossy side emerged or to say it affirmatively, it's the leader in him :)

The instructor asked E to rest but he said he was not tired and wanted to keep learning. I was pleasantly surprised. I hope the process of learning a new sport will teach E perseverance. I want him to experience for himself, hard work pays off. The joy and satisfaction of accomplishment will not elude him if he puts in his very best.

I'm so proud of you, my boy, for not giving up even when you were discouraged and tired.

What an enriching lesson for both mummy and son. In fact, it was an enriching time for the whole family. Hubby and I took turns to jog and Baby C had fun picking up sticks and leaves. After procrastinating for ages, I'm glad to finally put on my running shoes.

It's going to be a regular affair because E will be having lessons twice a week. Since we are at the park, we might as well go for a jog. Looks like the decision to sign E up for lessons is a very wise one!