Kidsday: I'm never too tired
In order to be an athlete, I realized physical fitness was the first step. So my brother, Nick, who is a junior at Adelphi University and plays for the men's lacrosse team, set me up on a workout routine.
The workout includes lifting weights, running, core training, and, at the end of the workout, flipping tires. When I watched my brother flip his huge tire, that encouraged me to try it. I wanted to work out because I knew it would only make me better in sports.
We also do CrossFit Murphy workouts in memory of Medal of Honor winner and Navy SEALs Lt. Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
According to crossfit.com, Murphy's favorite workout included a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats and another mile run. I did a modified version by switching the pull-ups for sit-ups. I hope to be able to do a pull-up by the end of summer.
After finishing, my body feels like Jell-O, and I cannot wait to go in the pool. Every Sunday in the summer, my brother takes girls from my lacrosse team up to the high school for a strength and conditioning workout. I play for the Sachem Youth Sports girls lacrosse fifth-grade team.
This workout is challenging because we are doing not only strength training but also cardio.
Another step to being an athlete is eating healthy. I find myself eating more fruits and vegetables. Every day for lunch, I bring salad and peanut butter to school. Other kids say, "Eww! Why are you eating salad?" I say, "Because I want to be healthy." I don't care what anybody says because I know I am making the right choice.
My hard work has been paying off because my coaches are seeing my improvement on the field. I've also lost a lot of weight. I am proud of my accomplishments.
Instant sharing
One of the hottest things in social media for kids right now is Instagram (instagram.com), a mixture of Twitter and Facebook. Anyone can sign up for Instagram, no matter what age you are.
On Instagram, there are so many fun things you can do. You can post pictures for everyone to see. If you don't want people to see your photos, you can make your account private. That means people can't look at your photos unless you allow them to.
The most fun part is that you get to see other people's pictures, and you get to see other people's personalities. Also, if you see a picture you like, you can "like it" by double-tapping it. You can comment on people's pictures, too.
Instagram is a fun and safe social network for all ages. You get to share your personality with other people through pictures. Just download the Instagram app and start snapping!
-- NICOLE KALFAS, TAYLOR LEWIS and SAMANTHA SCHANSTRA/Kidsday Reporters, 11, Merrick
