Over the past couple of years, I’ve tried several different kinds of movement, but for exercise this year, I’m trying a ton of new options.

My mom and I had a personal trainer last year at the Y, and we both loved the experience, but I didn’t have room in my schedule this year. Instead of having personalised sessions, we’ve been going to the gym when we can, and doing independent weight training. Along with that, the Y has great classes, like Zumba and Mat Pilates. And Mat Pilates sounds super easy in theory but as soon as the class began I was flabbergasted by how difficult it was. All the same, the class was very well taught, and I made adjustments to the exercises so I wouldn’t overexert myself. 

We’ve done family hikes when my schedule permits, and I especially love a nearby lake loop trail. There’s a spot about halfway on the walk where we always see at least one heron. 

I’m taking weekly tennis lessons with a professional coach, and right now I’m working on my topspin and my serves. I’ve absolutely improved from the summer, and I’m really excited to go back to my sleepaway summer camp next year having leveled up! 

Along with family hikes, I do quite a bit of hiking at our local state park, with my Homeschool in the Wild program. The program has shifted towards exploration and survival skills, this year, which means we’ve gone further from our usual spots, to add more of a challenge for the campers. 

These past few weeks, I’ve been trying out a Musical Theatre dance class at NCDI, and it’s fantastic. It challenges me with new techniques, but I still feel capable of doing all the choreography. I’m also working on choreography in the show I’m doing currently, The Addams Family. 

In the future, I want to seek out even more options, such as tap dancing,  ice skating or pickleball.  I love having all these experiences, and I want to try as many sports as possible before settling on a few.