Parkour is hardcore! What is it exactly? To state it simply, you can say it's a form of workout that makes you aware of your surroundings. As I approached the young group of Parkour practitioners, I began to notice that all of them were very relaxed while doing stunts and tricks. Back flips and front flips were just a few tricks that these men could do. I didn't understand at first how they were not scared of getting a serious injury from doing back flips off of a park bench.
I quickly learned that they all admitted to knowing their bodies' limitations. Enrique, a Parkour expert, mentioned that through Parkour he has found a new appreciation and awareness for the different objects that he encounters in his daily life. He then went on and translated that to a bigger picture, "the obstacles that I overcome here, has taught me that I can overcome anything else in life, nothing is impossible."
The phrase, 'I can't' is unheard of in Parkour terminology. Parkour attracts all people of all ages, and instills in them the power of positivism. The activity enhances one's perception of both the physicality of daily life as well as the mindset of every individual who practices. Having confidence and a positive state of mind is pivotal in achieving satisfying results and clean performances. There is no rush in pursuing the proper technique to jump off of 10-foot walls or doing back flips off of stairs. One can simply start by warming up and doing exercises that build up a strong core, back, arms and legs.
Once you have gained the strength both mentally and physically, you can start off by hopping over benches, or jumping off one-foot ledges, etc. Slowly, you will then be able to do more advanced tricks with the aid of a Parkour expert. They offer classes in different park locations and encourage everyone to try it. It was great to see how passionate these young men were about something they love. They all want to see Parkour evolve into a sport that is both appreciated and respected.
Parkour was a humbling experience because 'no' or 'I can't' is never an option. The fact that a workout can be applied to your personal life makes that type of sport/training much more unique and inspiring. I have started to go about my day by observing my surroundings, thinking, how do I get over this? I’ve also translated what I learned from the Parkour experts into my personal training regiment by never saying "I can't" because I can and I will.
If you're looking for something edgy, risky, and eye opening...Parkour gives you just that kind of a workout and more.
Can you imagine performing in front of so many spectators? Well Mr. Pacquiao did just that.
Before the fight, I didn’t really understand boxing or even know why so many people loved it. I definitely did not comprehend why people would want to throw a jab at another person. Yes, call me a sissy, but I know I would start to duck and cover if I was ever put in a ring. I guess my career is not in boxing. Growing up however, my dad was a huge boxing fan and of course is now a total fan of Manny Pacquiao a.k.a PACMAN. While I tried to change the TV channel from boxing to something like basketball when my dad wasn’t looking, there was always a part of me that was curious about the sport.
It was when I interviewed female lightweight amateur boxer Marlen Esparza that I realized that I was never interested in boxing before because:
a. I never gave it a chance b. I judged it immediately c. Simply never took the opportunity to learn about it d. I was intimidated by it
Here my fellow readers is where most of us can relate. Many times we choose to neglect a sport that we don’t understand or know anything about. It’s such a cop out to say, “Oh I don’t really like,” than admit “I’ve never heard about it,” or “can you explain it to me cause I just don’t get it.”
I of all people should know better considering I was on the rowing team and my other friends would bluntly say, “rowing is boring, what’s the point?” I would then think to myself and come to the conclusion that they didn’t like rowing cause they had never tried it or knew enough about it. So, when I spoke to Marlen, we instantly bonded because we were both young female athletes in sports that sometimes get over looked because of how intimidating it is.
Let’s be honest, boxing is not just a “little” intimidating—it’s extremely intimidating. Marlen made me see how much boxing has given to her. Not only is she a strong girl both mentally and physically but also she has more than one goal in mind. That is what sport does, it unties people and gives people opportunities. Marlen made me realize that you should always give something or someone a chance and not be intimidated of something just because you don’t know about it.
With that in mind, I decided to talk to my dad more about his passion and asked him to give me the 411 on boxing and he did. The best part was when I called him and told him I was going to interview his favorite athlete Manny Pacquiao before the fight. Let me just say that his daily phone call multiplied by 10.
Papa Seferaj was hilarious. He called me about 10 times a day a week prior to the interview with suggestions on what kind of questions to ask Manny. They were all corny but being able to talk about a sport with my dad that he liked was incredible. It actually brought a “bunny tear” to my eye (yes I said bunny tear, feel free to use it). I got teary because my dad has gone to watch Pacquiao fight the last seven years and this was the first fight since then that my dad was unable to attend. Ironically I did AND got to interview him.
Manny Pacquiao has a special presence about him that no words can describe. He is gentle, kind, humble and appreciative. Today fame, money, and power can sometimes steer people on the wrong path, but not for Manny. The PACMAN has stayed true to his family, fans and country. The most captivating thing for me during our interview was when I asked him how he stays true to so many people? He answered, “I have what I have because of God and I am very grateful. All I want to do is serve people and make them happy.”
I walked away from that interview with a warm spot in my hurt. Manny Pacquiao made an impact on me. He is so appreciative of what he has. I look up to him and understand why he is so respected and loved around the world. Mr. Pacquiao is so devoted to his people that before I interviewed him in his hotel room he had around a 100 people in there. From friends to family, to fans to even fellow congressmen, Manny was sharing his time to be with them. Let’s put it this way, the night before I fight, I’m going to want a massage and space; Manny prefers to be surrounded by loved ones and praying with them.
Every morning before a fight, Manny attends mass and invites whoever wants to attend. I was invited and indeed went to mass. This was another surreal experience to see an important, and successful athlete take time out for his faith. He truly lives a life of example.
After the mass it was show time ladies and gents. What better why to start it off then to sit next to female boxer Marlen and No.1 U.S. ranked male heavyweight boxer Steve Geffrard. We were Team Nike; two Nike boxers and a Nike Field Reporter charged with great confidence that our beloved Manny was going to win his eighth straight world championship. We had VIP seats and this tour trio definitely put the V-I-P in VIP :D
Nelly actually kicked it off by performing a couple songs, and the three of us were singing along and dancing. Soon after, the most anticipated fight of the year began. I asked Steve “what do you love about boxing?” I guess I wanted someone to answer the question that everyone in my past had failed to answer (with the exception of my dad of course) Steve answered, “I love it. It’s my passion because it gives me discipline, keeps me out of trouble, and I love it because it’s like my family.”
So as I turned back to look at the ring, I saw a man from the Philippines who loves boxing and what it has given him and his people—an opportunity. Pacquiao won his eighth title and completely dominated the ring but, most importantly he continues to teach us all to stay true to our families, our friends, our faith and ourselves.
All of us have pretty jam_packed lives. From juggling school, work, a husband or kids, we all have a lot going on. And don’t forget we also have social media that keeps us in the loop of everyone else’s hectic lives.
As of now, I’m balancing writing articles, preparing for my interviews, working out, staying socially connected, volunteering, friends and my family. What are you juggling? Feel stress at some points? Well how about being an athlete, being a sideline reporter, having a husband and a baby boy? That is the life style of one of my favorite athletes Jessica Mendoza.
Jessica has a contagious smile and immediately gives off a nurturing presence. If you didn’t know she is actually going to start doing sideline reporting for college football. This young mother and loving wife who juggles so much and has become a world-renowned athlete who many admire.
As we hung out at the gym, I watched Jessica work out, and boy is she in stellar shape. We talked about leadership and what she thinks makes a good leader. A strong leader never gives up and does what he or she feels like, remaining respectful toward the people around them.
“Dream it, live it, love it,” is Jessica’s motto and I have to say, I like it! Dream big, live your dream, and love what you do! I can tell that Jessica is extremely passionate about every aspect of her life. My all-time favorite moment during the interview, was when she told me that she is a mom first and her baby boy ran up to us. He’s such a little stud. I thought it was really cute when she said, “How can I stay mad after striking out when I come home to this little guy?”
I also saw Jess at the espnW retreat and we exchanged our experiences. Jessica totally embodies a woman of power and leadership. She is strong yet humble and believe me, she kicks butt on the field. Her passion for life has definitely fueled her leadership role on and off the field.
Having the support and love of her family is something that is very important to Jess and I feel that having support from loved ones always causes the stress to disappear. Regardless of how hectic our lifestyles are, we just have to remember to give ourselves time to enjoy the company of family and friends. Once we are recharged we are ready to take on the world again!
Question: Would you consider yourself to be shoe-savvy?
Better yet, would you consider yourself to be wearing the freshest kicks?
Well for those of you who like to look hot and wear the latest trend, let me whisk you off to a little world of sneaker wonders.
I met with the designer of the new Nike Free XT Quick Fit +, Mark Miner. Let’s just say that there was a lot of time, creativity, and hard work put into this shoe. Mark and the Nike team definitely heard all of our wants and needs because they created a shoe that fulfills all our sneaker desires.
Mark Miner is a young New York native who designed his first shoe out of paper for class. He said he likes to pay attention to detail, and girls let’s be real, we love those small details on things. Mark is laid back and finds his inspiration when he travels and just starts sketching.
He was so genuine and down to earth that he actually gave me positive feedback on my Cardio Club shoe that I quickly designed after our interview (hahahah “Cardio Club” now that’s a piece of work).
Mark is passionate about his design and I could tell that he really thinks every step through. He definitely delivered a product that meets our needs. When we are heading over to the gym, the last thing we need is our training shoes weighing our bag down. What we need is a lightweight shoe that we can take anywhere.
So ladies and gents I present to you the Nike Free XT Quick Fit+! Let me tell you a little bit about this new sensation that will be giving your feet the deserved treatment they’ve been looking for.
1. They are lightweight so you can take them anywhere and everywhere.
2. You feel like you are barefoot, no more clunky training shoes weighing you down as you workout.
3. Ever heard of Flywire Technology? Well these little guys have just that, making them light and comfortable.
4. They have multidirectional flex grooves that allow the foot to move in a natural motion while you’re doing your thing at the gym!
5. Offers great traction for a variety of surfaces. You can take these shoes for a run or to an indoor gym class.
Meeting Mark was literally the coolest experience in the sense that I got to hang out with one of the designers from Nike!! Now every time I go to the gym, I’m going to look at my fly shoes and know the person behind the shoe. I honestly had no idea how much time is put into creating the most innovative piece of technology for our feet!
This new Nike shoe pushes the boundaries of any conventional training shoe out there. So don’t think twice, check them out for yourself. Then when you’re at the gym and feeling great because of how comfortable, light, and versatile your new Nike Free XT Quick Fit+ thank your Nike designer Mark Miner for delivering you the best.
Hello fellow gym rats. If you’re in need of finding a CrossFit studio then UTE CrossFit is for you!
UTE CrossFit studio had so many different machines and types of weights that I had no idea what the class was going to be like. I met up with trainer/owner Bobbie Jo Hackenbruck, who was a collegiate soccer player and also met her husband Tommy who played football in college.
Having such a strong athletic background, Tommy and Bobbie Jo decided to move back to Utah and open a CrossFit studio.
The studio has been very successful because CrossFit is slowly becoming the "new" yoga, or more commonly known as the "new grassroots health movement." CrossFit is the principal strengthening and conditioning regimen that many elite athletes, as well as police academies and special military units do.
CrossFit combines sprinting, carrying heavy objects, gymnastics, weight lifting and cardio; all to promote a healthier lifestyle.
We warmed up by doing 3 sets of 12 of push-ups, wall squats, and lunges. Once we were warmed up, we were paired with partners and did a seven-minute work out. It doesn't seem long, but believe me it was just enough. Our routine went as followed: 50 pull ups, 50 squats, 50 kettle bell arm swings, 50 sit-ups, 50 lunges, 250m row, holding plank position for two minutes and burpees. I was sweaty and exhausted.
I almost forgot, after the workout and burpee challenge, I had to get on a bike and pedal until I burned 25 calories. The first few minutes of post workout were not great but once I caught my breath, I felt great!
Bobbie Jo made a very valid point during the interview; she mentioned that if she had done CrossFit during her career as a soccer player she would have been better prepared for the entire season. CrossFit offers the perfect balance. It targets every part of your body because you are doing interval training.
Advice: Do NOT eat before taking a CrossFit class, and after you're done, make sure you drink a protein shake to repair your muscles! That’s the best approach when you are going to workout! I apparently had a rough time in the class due to my lunch I had twenty minutes prior to the workout. So don’t make that mistake.
If you have any suggestions on me trying out a gym near you, make sure you contact me on twitter @Nike_NFR and let me know! Maybe it can be you and me vs. the gym.
