“Do one thing every day that scares you” – Eleanor Roosevelt

I am writing Part Two of my ‘Get Uncomfortable List’ with a feeling of gratitude. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference to our inner peace. After feeling terrible on the second day of the New Year. Last week I managed to coach my first fit camp session.  Eeek! I can’t believe I am sharing this with you, but the burpees helped!

Another reason to smile is I’ve already found Accountability Challenge Partners for activities listed in Part One.  To recap my last post introduced the first six sports on my list.  These activities are what I’d either like to try or revisit throughout 2017.  Next weekend I will be going Ice Skating. The last time I was on the ice was definitely more than fifteen years ago. I will be making a video about my experience.  The update will be shared on this blog site.

This post is about the final six activities on my list.. Again I’ve shared the health benefits of each sport.  This list is not written in order of importance.

1. Archery 

Life can be so strange.  Have you ever noticed that when you start thinking about something you become more aware of things connected with the subject?  Archery is not an activity that has been on my radar.  Before writing this blog series a conversation at work led me to a discovery.  My colleague and his family are extremely enthusiastic about archery .  Then a few weeks later I noticed the local leisure centre is promoting archery lessons.  Wow! The Law of Attraction works in very mysterious ways.  So here we are. I think its good to try something way out of your comfort zone. I’ve placed Archery on my ‘Get Uncomfortable List’.  Let’s explore the health benefits.

Did you know?

• Archery can help you with upper body strength building.  This sport is a great workout for your arms, core, chest and shoulders.
• Archery improves your mental focus.  This is good for helping you deal with stress.
• Archery improves your patience

“To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise” – Gene Tunney

2. Horse Riding 

I’ve always like horses.  Unfortunately, my first experience of horse riding didn’t go as planned. During a primary school trip I excitedly thought I’d get to ride on a horse. Sadly, I was not wearing trousers. So I was advised to travel in the cart instead.  I was gutted! My interest dwindled.  Over the years I’ve been around very enthusiastic equestrians’. My best friend Rebecca started horse riding in our late twenties. I’ve supported her enthusiasm and interest along the way.  However, we’ve never enjoyed riding out together. Finally, in 2015 during a holiday to Hungary I had my first taste of saddling a horse.  I enjoyed being lead around the training paddock. I was very nervous but was in safe hands with an experienced trainer.

Did you know?

• Horse riding gives you cardiovascular and muscle conditioning benefits
• There are psychological benefits to horse riding as the activity is therapeutic
• Horse riding improves your balance and posture

3. Yoga

Young people can be very influencing.  Last week I was invited for dinner.  We enjoyed a vegan meal prepared by my friend’s sixteen year old daughter.  Not only is this remarkable young woman a great cook, she is very health conscious.  At such a young age she disciplines herself to practice yoga every morning.  I was very impressed.  My first and only experience of yoga was about four years ago.   Thankfully there were only three of us in the room.  The yoga teacher was obviously very experienced.  I am not sure what level the class was.  On reflection, I was heavier than I am now.  At that time I struggled to place my body in the correct positions.  I found the class exhausting!  Over the last three years I’ve read positive updates about yoga within my friendship group.  I have an Accountability Partner lined up. So I’m looking forward to giving yoga another try.

Did you know?

• Yoga prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
• Yoga protects your spine
• Yoga drains your lymphs and boosts immunity

(Source Yoga Journal)

4. Sailing

Sailing is a sport that has been on my mind for years.  I spent my childhood living near the River Trent in Nottingham  Our family home is situated near Holme Pierrepont Country Park (the National Water Sports Centre). My fascination with water has been with me since my youth.

In my late twenties I decided to take up sailing.  I’ve passed The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Level One. Soon after completing the course we relocated to Manchester.  We were fortunate to live near a lake and a local sailing club. Sadly, I never continued with my passion.  This is an activity I am very excited about revisiting!

Did you know?

• Sailing increases your muscle strength and endurance
• Brainwaves are positively impacted by the rhythmic movement of the yacht
• Sailing improves your cardiovascular health

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

5. Fencing

Stepping into the world of Fencing will certainly  get me out of my comfort zone. The only person I know training in this sport is much younger than me.  To my knowledge this Nottingham based triathlete has achieved recognition for his talent in fencing. At the time of writing I really know very little about the sport.   The research is part of the fun I guess.  Here are some health facts I discovered…

Did you know?

• The constant foot movements involved in Fencing improves your strength and endurance
• Fencing is great for stress reduction as it is a physical and mental sport
• Your body moves in a full range during fencing, which increases your coordination

6. Swimming

I have shared my childhood experiences of living near water.  Ironically, despite my passion for sailing and the love of water.  I am not a very strong swimmer. Unfortunately, I missed many swimming lessons in my primary school years. This was mainly due to the length of time spent plaiting my hair.

My Grandmother was very good at coming up with various excuses! So now my adult self is not a very strong or confident swimmer.  My hair styling is still going to cause issues for me.  I cannot see myself becoming a regular swimmer. This is despite the fact I live less than five minutes away from a leisure center. However, learning to swim is important.  I need to get our of my comfort zone and improve my swimming style.

Did you know?

• Swimming keeps your heart rate up
• Swimming gives you a full body work out
• A gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in just half an hour

So there you have it! My full ‘Get Uncomfortable List’ is a mixture of sporty activities.  I’ve tried to include classes that will stretch me mentally and physically.  I have the next eleven months to have some fun.  I hope you’ve gained value from reading this series. Have you written out your own list yet?  I’d love to hear about sports you are keen to try or revisit.

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