Reflection Essay

Yoga

I have never taken part in or been involved in breathing activities. However, going through the Adrienne presentation was a good experience for me. From the presentation, I am glad to have known that yoga is an activity used to increase someone’s flexibility and range of work motions. I enjoyed learning that breathing is an important example of physical activities, which strengthen the muscles by promoting the transfer of oxygen throughout our body systems. Having learned the importance of breathing as an activity that enhances human flexibility and range of work motions, I decided to deep stretch and breathe, taking note of the presentation’s instructions. Even though it was a challenging experience for me at the start of the challenge, I realized significant improvements in my flexibility and range of work motions. My initial experience with taking up the challenge was characterized by struggling to adjust with the various ranges of motion, for instance, I could not keep up well with how my body part such as legs were moving. However, I later enjoyed taking the challenge, especially where my movements contributed to significant stretches on my lower and upper back. Learning about the importance of yoga activities is one of the most wonderful life experiences for me. Other than taking the challenge regularly in my future endeavors, I would also encourage others to be part of this challenge. Yoga activity enhances human flexibility, maintain good body balance, and relax the mind, which is critical for everyone’s mental health status.

Pilates

I enjoyed how Jana took me through Pilates since the experience was significantly educative. Jana had excellent communication approaches, and I got engaged well throughout the course. Learning about Pilates was quite complex, but Jana’s presentation made it easier for the listeners to grasp the concepts presented. I remember when I got engaged in the presentation where Jana took us through the background information and origin of Pilates. Having been taken through such a wonderful presentation, I learned various concepts that will form a significant portion of my future career activities. One of the most interesting concepts that I learned from the presentation is that we have correct and incorrect breathing mechanisms. This was a wonderful learning experience for me because breathing is a basic activity for every person. I was delighted to learn that fish breathing mechanism whereby one would be breathing through the neck instead of the diaphragm is an incorrect breathing approach. Jana also introduced us to the five Pilates spinal movements such as extension, inversion, lateral flexion, rotation, and flexion. I performed these mentioned movements, and I was happy to experience my muscles stretch and the significant alterations in my posture. Having performed these movements, I learned that enhancing our movements is important for our improved muscles and general body health conditions.

Step

The next class that I enjoyed the experience is the Step class presented by instructor Mimi. Mimi narrated the story of an athlete who introduced the concept of step after experiencing an injury in her knees, and her doctor instructed her to identify how she could strengthen the quads and muscles around her knees. This was the most interesting part of the presentation, especially after learning that the concept of step was introduced by an injured person while trying to strengthen her muscles. It was easier for me to take up the first step challenges and the challenges became more complicated and complex as Mimi progressed with providing instructions. While having experience with Mimi’s activities, I learned that step activities have low impacts and intensity. Even though I experienced difficulties while taking up the step activities challenge, I believe the next time, I would find it easier, and I will get used to these activities with time. Moreover, I would recommend everyone’s step activities since such activities contribute to significant improvements in our muscles even though low impacts and intensity characterize them.

Salsa

Instructor Leo Liendo introduced us to the Latin dances. This was the most interesting class that I ever had, and I believe that my classmates also enjoyed the class. I think that the class was more interesting for those who like dancing. If I were to rate this class, then I would give it 10/10.  In addition, the class was not only entertaining but also educative and informative. Having introduced himself to the class, Leo briefly narrated how he learned and became passionate about the Latin dances. I think everyone present during the class could tell that Leo is passionate about Latin dances from his facial expression while giving instructions and performing the dancing styles for every part. Leo introduced the class to three different Latin dances; meringue dance, bachata, and salsa. I tried to cope up with the instructions even though some were difficult and complex. I enjoyed the part when Leo told us to hold our partners and dance. It was quite interesting, and the scene had significant impacts on my mental health. I would encourage others to join the Latin dances because the experience significantly improves a person’s mental health.