Volleyball, I Hope Not!

By: Mai Eldib

First of all no offense to volleyball lovers, it’s not that I dislike the game;
it’s just that the idea of a ball coming at my face is tad bit disconcerting.
But anyhow, sports never really made me feel comfortable. Especially
conventional types of sports, from soccer to basketball; maybe
swimming, but it is kind of associated with a single person, so there was
never any trouble with someone attacking you while you’re running.  

All throughout middle school, I hated PE class simply because I didn’t
enjoy volleyball, tennis or even soccer. Yes, I did go to class, and yes I did
participate. But did I enjoy PE? I definitely did not. But I also knew that I
didn’t want to bum around with no form of sports, that’s when I realized
there are options and alternatives.

It was only when I got into high school that I
started getting into the field of unconventional
sports, or let’s call them, alternative forms of
sports. From dancing, an exhilarating way to
exercise with a beat; to the serene ability of yoga,
that allows you to meditate and calm your inner
soul.  I always imagined that such types of sports
can only be labeled as hobbies, since there was no
heavy lifting or running involved. How wrong I
was.

For me, it started with dancing, from ballet to jazz and lastly African
Dancing. Anything that involved music and movement, I signed up for.  
When I danced, I was smiling and I wasn’t looking at the clock. I wasn’t
checking the clock hands every second for the end of class; on the
contrary, I was pining for more time at the studio. More time to do
something I enjoyed.  Then I stumbled upon another form of exercise,
yoga. Yes, it is a fad amongst many celebrities, but it is also an ancient
activity that is very beneficial to mind and the body. I used to think that
yoga was easy, again I was wrong—sometimes we young people think we
are infallible.

Despite the fact that we all need to go through the rigors of PE, we
shouldn’t dismiss sports totally.  The options are endless, I remember one
sport we played in my PE class called Bocce, which is by far the most
relaxing and non-strenuous sport ever created. But I don’t know of many
teachers who teach this sport, but there is no harm showing your PE
teacher some alternative and interesting sports the whole class can learn
anew and can enjoy.  

In a gym near you, I am sure you will
realize the new and interesting classes
that come along each new season.  From
the Alexander Technique to help with
posture alignment and walking, to Belly
Dancing that shimmies away any bellies.
Sports can be different and can be fun. It’s
all related to attitude and doing what you
enjoy. If its soccer, baseball or basketball
that fine, by all means, go after the ball.
But, if you find these sports to your taste, be adventurous, the world is
truly your oyster in terms of alternative ways to exercise and move.

So dance away or skate your way into the new and interesting way of
exercise!!!