This class was only 8 weeks in length, which is super-fast, but I totally enjoyed learning new material each week. My top six favorite assignments were muscle endurance activity, prescription paper, cardio and weight program, stress management case study and super tracker reflection. All 6 assignments equipped me with tools needed to achieve the life and health I want.  

The stress management case study assignment resonated with me on a personal level. The character Melinda reminded me of myself when I was 19 years old. I was dismissed from university which led to a myriad of negative emotions and low-self-esteem. I knew I was stressed but did not understand stress and its symptoms. I learned the factors that cause my stress, my Type B personality, symptoms of stress, and how to manage stress.

In the muscular endurance activity, I learned how to calculate the maximum heart rate and the target heart rate. I also learned how to choose the proper weights for an individual based on fitness level, age and heart rate.

The super tracker reflection assignment taught me to consume nutrients according to recommended dietary standards. I consumed 1450 calories of carbohydrate a day based on a 2000 calorie diet, which translates to 363 grams of carbohydrate per day. This was more than I needed and as a result my BMI was 28. Now that I am eating accordingly, I have lost nine pounds in one month.

The prescription paper assignment educated me on my past wellness. At the time of the paper, I was overweight by sixteen pounds, lacked white blood cells, and sick. I realized my wellness needed work. So, I set three goals which were: to decrease my carbohydrate intake by 200 calories per day, consume two cups of fruits per day and drink eight glasses of water per day. I achieved all three goals by June 10, 2019.

In the cardio and weight program, I created a detailed program consisting of cardio and weight bearing exercises. I used the FITT principle which stands for Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type. The FITT principle ensures that workout programs are tailored to the individual’s level of fitness.

It was fun creating these assignments. They improved my critical thinking skills and fostered personal self-confidence. I am determined to incorporate the skills and knowledge learned into my daily routine.