kauIF

This is the spinning room. You can see the Library in the background. It actually looks really cool at night when all of the lights are off during the class, and the library's lights are brightly lit. It makes the University look very modern and nice. Maybe I will bring my camera sometime.... :)

As many, if not all of you know, I really enjoy exercising. Whether it be running, playing sports, or  walking, I just like to be active. It makes me feel better in every way. So, needless to say, after over a week with little to no physical activity other than walking to the University, I was getting a little antsy. Fortunately, there is a great program at the University called kauIF, which provides all different types of fitness classes, as well as the opportunity to play ball sports, for an extremely reduced price in comparison to other work-out facilities. I signed up the first day :) 

So far I have participated in 3 different "activities". The first was a step aerobics class. I do not have much experience with aerobics, but I had such a good time! It was similar to the class I mentioned earlier that the international students took during orientation week. We did various things with stepping, squatting, lifting, etc., and did it all to some great Swedish jams. I also must add...everything--meaning all of the instruction--was in Swedish, so my other international friends and I had a good laugh as we tried to catch on to what everyone else was doing. Haha. I'm going back for sure.

The second class I took was spinning. Good old spinning. I am thankful for the fact that I have had some experience with spinning in the states, so was not as big of a problem that I did not understand the instructor's instructions. :) A couple things that are different though: all of the lights were off during the class, with the exception of a small string of lights around the instructor's bike. It was actually quite nice. Something else: half way through our workout, the instructor refilled our water for us as we continued to bike. Talk about service! I will be a regular in that class as well.

Ok, so I know some of you are wondering....soccer. Yes! There is a soccer "open gym" three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The first night I went, there were 34 guys and 2 girls...including me. I know. I guess soccer is not as big for girls in Sweden as it is in the US. ha. Lets just say I was a tiny bit intimidated. So, we were spit into teams, and I played terrible. I mean, it was bad. Someone even nut-megged me for a goal. Ouch. Fortunately, there were some nice guys on the team who tried to make up excuses for me, but it was no secret that I wasn't playing too great. Buuuuut never fear!!! I went back yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, and completely and totally redeemed myself. I mean really, I played great...and I am  not one to point that out unless if it is 100% true :) I don't know if it was because it was my second time, or because there were only 12 guys this time, or if it was just because I knew I had nothing to loose, but whatever it was, it worked. I gained the respect of my teammates, and had a great time. Plus, I am really sore!! Which, as many of you know, I love :) I suppose 2 hours of playing indoor soccer with guys does that. Anyway, it was very encouraging, and I am looking forward to continuing to go and keep up...or even improve my skills this semester!

Well, that's all for now. I just figured I should share that with you since it will be a common part of my everyday life here in Sweden! I will post again soon!