Paper my highly educated and stunning little brother wrote! I was so proud and flattered I just have to share it! The kid takes after my own heart :)
Anthony
H. English per. 1
14 January 2012
Get up! Get Active!
The dull glow of the tv screen reflects upon the cadaverous look on the overweight boys face. Twinkie wrappers litter the dirty floor along with several half-drank bottles of diet coke and a greasy pizza box from the night before. Outside the sun's rays smile encouragingly for children to come outside and play, but the boys blinds are drawn to block out the natural light of the outside world. He groans at the tell-tale sign of a stomach ache as sharp pains rip through his abdomen. This kid is unhappy, unhealthy, lacks self confidence, and is a type two diabetic at the age of 15. Now picture this. Sweat glistens on the brow of the athletic boy who just finished his last rep. A bottle of water, along with a banana and a protein bar lay nestled in his gym bag which he eagerly opens to enjoy his well earned snack. Outside the sun shines bright like a star player on the football field. This encourages the boy to walk home from the gym instead of calling for a ride. He smiles at the accomplished feeling he gets after a tough workout. This kid is happy, healthy, is full of confidence, and is 10.3 % body fat. Which life would you rather have?
The benefits of having a healthy lifestyle are endless; self confidence, increased endorphin levels - which make you feel good - feeling of accomplishment, less money spent on medical issues such as diabetes and heart attacks, a Rocky Balboa-like body, and overall health and well being. I personally think that everybody has the opportunity to be healthy… whether they want to or not however, is their own decision. When my wrestling coach says, "it takes no athletic ability to get in shape" I reflect on how true this saying is. Absolutely anyone can lead a healthy lifestyle by running, lifting weights, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. As a wrestler/football player, along with being a brother of a personal trainer, I know that all these things are important for my body to function at maximum efficiency, as an athlete and in everyday life.
Running and lifting weights are two of the primary ways to get in shape. Both release endophin, a hormone that triggers pleasure sensors in the brain, which increases ones mood. Running is an awesome way to burn fat and promotes a healthy heart, which in turn reduces risk of heart related illnesses. Lifting weights builds muscle and strengthens bones and joints which can decrease your risk of arthritis later in life.
A healthy diet is mandatory if you want to maintain an ideal body weight. Balancing protein, carbs, and healthy fats is important to keep a lean, athletic look. Eating plenty of vitamins and minerals also help your body work at full speed all day. It is important to remember that if your caloric intake is greater than your caloric expenditure, then you will gain weight, but if you caloric intake is less than your caloric expenditure, then you will lose weight.
Sleep. It is something that so many of us do not get enough of, yet it is a major part of an individual's health. While we sleep our bodys are in a relaxed state that causes our blood preasure to drop, heart rate to slow, and your body gets a chance to rebuild from all the damage of the day before. If you do not get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night, then your body does not have the chance to fully rebuild itself and you feel tired and sluggish the next day. Feeling tired then causes you to not feel motivated to workout and rely on highly processed sugery snacks to stay awake. Getting a goodnights sleep is the cornerstone of anyones foundation of health.
