Steps. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

I started an exercise routine for myself, and no one else. I want that to be heard loud and clear. My body is the concern, not my body being on display.

Senior year put physical fitness to rest. I was done with gym class, but at the time I still was somewhat active. However, academics were sending a tidal wave into my life. Community College came crashing down, and I went to desperate measure to stay somewhat healthy. Avoiding the elevator at all costs, even when I had to go to the third floor, and being too poor to have anything but a dollar bag of animal cracker for lunch. That last one was an unintentional win I suppose.

While reporting for my schools newspaper I attended a heart fair. An exciting enough topic, full of music, freebee nic nacs and a large blowup heart. Blood pressure was being checked at one of the tables so I headed over. The stretchy band was placed around my arm and I was totally unconcerned. Healthcare issues had kept me out of the doctor’s office for two years at the time, but I still thought I was doing well. Then the door slammed in my face.

My blood pressure was too high. I wasn’t about to keel over or anything, but a 19 year old doesn’t tend to have the same health problems as their parents. The doctor told me exercise would help so I made a plan.

                         Sports equipment. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Free time wasn’t exactly part of my second semester college life, but I tried my best. I started walking around the house more, and I bought a bunch of sports stuff. Some of my more used sports equipment consists of two male lacrosse sticks, a lacrosse ball, a football and a skateboard. The lacrosse sticks come in handy because I can cradle, shoot into a broken couch or play catch with other family members. I’ve been told lacrosse is a healing sport to the Iroquois. I’m not an expert, but it certainly did help with healing me.

When I was 20 I attended another health related fair, this time it was at my community college. My blood pressure had gone down, and I was at a normal rate. Relief draped over me, but I wasn’t free to let myself go.

My current exercise routine consists of running in place for 9 minutes, 25 curl-ups, 25 push-ups and a few other things. Those main three have to do with my muscles. I would visit my cousins and notice the strain I put on myself to even attempt running. I didn’t feel good.

I won’t lie to you, starting to exercise again wasn’t easy. I don’t have money for the gym so it was home bound exercise for me. Even if I had spare cash sometimes you need alone time when trying to get in shape. The first few days left me tired and with some pain, but I still felt good. I was breathing better and I wanted to feel the burn. I wanted to get better and stay healthy. I’m not doing this for a man, friends or fashion magazines. My exercise routine includes the proper mental health requirements. I’m doing this for myself, so the only person to please is me.

-Katelyn Avery

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