The sports of the third quarter that was available was track and field and basketball. Since I don’t like this type of sports that much, I decided to go to the school’s gym and go running twice times per week. I also did this to prepare for SAISA volleyball. The previous volleyball season did not go too well for the team, and my goal was to increase my jumping height to spike and block better.

In order to jump higher, the leg training primarily consisted of squats. I did not use dumbbells, as they are back for the back, instead, I used a vest to add weights on, which keeps the weight close to your body. I started with 15kg, doing three times 20 squats. I gradually increased the weight to 20kg.

Doing dips. I used a theraband for dips for 2 out of 3 sets of 10. Photo credits: Savindi Jayasuria

Push-ups. I changed the placement of my hands for every set to use different muscles each time for a more balanced workout. Photo credits: Savindi Jayasuria

I did not want to exclusively work out my legs, and in order to have a better all-round workout, I also did push-ups and other exercises such as dips. I also started pull-ups about half-way through the quarter, which are very challenging but engage the whole body and are therefore a very good workout. I improved markedly over the tow months, which was very satisfying. On average, I did all of these exercises about twice per week, which gave my body enough time to recover between sessions and I had enough time to focus on schoolwork.

I started doing pull-ups later in the term and only did a handful each time, but they are fun and I will continue to practice. Photo credits: Savindi Jayasuriya

In addition to going to the gym, I went for a run once to twice a week. In order to not use up time in the afternoons that I need for other activities and studying, I decided to wake up earlier and run before school, which worked out well. In the first weeks I always ran 30 laps, making it a 6km run before school, which took me roughly 35 minutes the first few sessions. I gradually increased my distance and at the end of the term I ran 10km. In the beginning I expected myself to be tired, but actually I was more concentrated during classes on the days I ran before school, which as an added bonus.

I went to the gym regularly in South Africa, so it felt great to start this kind of sport again. Working out alone makes me really calm and is very relaxing, and I  enjoyed having some time every week to get a break from school work. Running long distance is, after volleyball and tennis, my favorite type of sport. I find it very calming and I can let my mind wander, not having to think about anything important for some time, and the feeling when I am finished after a long run from the endorphin rush is great.