When it came time for Physical Fitness Testing each year in high school P.E., there were always a couple of sub-tests I didn't particularly look forward to completing. One was the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation portion. I'll never forget my senior year when the gym teacher came at the back of one of my inexplicably muscly calves. He took one look at the incredibly low fat percentage reading, one look at the rest of my quite large 5 foot 8, 220 lbs frame, and quickly went in search of the more technologically advanced and accurate BMI measuring tool.
The other much-dreaded physical challenge to which I was subjected was the Sit-and-Reach flexibility test. Years of obligatory warm ups in gym class and organized sports had proved me unable to merely touch my shoe laces when performing the typical sit-and-stretch routine. Sticking a 2 foot long box on the END of my feet to measure how much further PAST my feet I could reach was a laughable endeavor.
The other much-dreaded physical challenge to which I was subjected was the Sit-and-Reach flexibility test. Years of obligatory warm ups in gym class and organized sports had proved me unable to merely touch my shoe laces when performing the typical sit-and-stretch routine. Sticking a 2 foot long box on the END of my feet to measure how much further PAST my feet I could reach was a laughable endeavor.
Despite these areas of deficit, I've always been a pretty in-shape, athletic person. When I had personal trainer sessions in college, Stacy (the trainer) was quite impressed with my capabilities from the very start. Surprisingly, it wasn't my then 5 foot 8, 230 lbs. frame that got her on my case about physical fitness. It was when she tried flexing my leg up as far as she could and I cried mercy rather quickly that she harped about my lack of flexibility.
As previously mentioned, I've never been one to find value in taking the time to stop and stretch when I could be on the go and burning cals. But, I'm well aware of the benefits: reduced likelihood of injury, increased blood flow, and muscle resiliency, among other things. It hasn't been until recently--after ending several mile runs feeling like my legs and back are filled with rocks--that it's really become a necessity in my mind. So, I've stretched, gosh darn it! Good, decent 5 minute rounds of it. And it's felt great.
Yesterday the unexpected pay off came after my longest run to date--7.5 miles. Already feeling pretty great as I got off the track and headed for the equipment room, I had no agenda in mind when I sat down to do the old sit-and-stretch. But as I went through the routine, I paused momentarily at the realization my fingers were touching my toes and my leg was fully extended. My heart did a leap of joy at my newly found talent. I quickly switched to my other leg and found the same success. Pulling my legs together I performed the sit and reach and actually reached my fingers PAST my toes! For good measure, I stood up and successfully performed the best toe touch (the stretch, not the cheerleader move) of my life.
Of all the accomplishments I anticipated in this training regimen, I never expected one of the greatest victories early on would be reaching--literally--farther than I've ever been able to before.
Bring it on Physical Fitness Test! I just may be able to pass you this time!
As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Psalms 119:143
(NLT)
Yesterday the unexpected pay off came after my longest run to date--7.5 miles. Already feeling pretty great as I got off the track and headed for the equipment room, I had no agenda in mind when I sat down to do the old sit-and-stretch. But as I went through the routine, I paused momentarily at the realization my fingers were touching my toes and my leg was fully extended. My heart did a leap of joy at my newly found talent. I quickly switched to my other leg and found the same success. Pulling my legs together I performed the sit and reach and actually reached my fingers PAST my toes! For good measure, I stood up and successfully performed the best toe touch (the stretch, not the cheerleader move) of my life.
Of all the accomplishments I anticipated in this training regimen, I never expected one of the greatest victories early on would be reaching--literally--farther than I've ever been able to before.
Bring it on Physical Fitness Test! I just may be able to pass you this time!
As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Psalms 119:143
(NLT)
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