Arianna Neikrug

Sophmore, Hamilton High School

When did you start exercising/playing sports?

I started exercising/playing sports at the age of 3. I started with soccer, tennis, and basketball, and of course, the all-time favorite of a 3-year-old girl, ballet. From then on, sports and dance weren’t things my mom made me do; they were the things I was truly passionate about. My intensity for sports grew, as did my love for dance, so I don’t like to think of them as exercise but rather hobbies/activities.

How do you  stay fit?

I stay fit by watching what I eat and by staying active, whether it’s just a walk in the park or a 2 our spinning class.

What inspires YOU?

The people around me inspire me the most. When I’m driving and I see someone jogging right alongside me, I immediately think “gosh, I’m lazy.” And begin to feel guilty. If these people can do it, then I can too. Another inspiration is my active family. Both my mom and dad exercise regularly, and my older brother plays almost every sport I can name. Being around an active and moving environment influences my behavior as well.
 
How has fitness helped you in other parts of your life?
Fitness has got to be one of the most helpful and important things in this world. It’s the fuel for my engine. I also perform and as a performer, I find it very important to stay healthy and in shape.I  want to look my best on stage when I’m singing and acting. Fitness has also helped me with stress. As a 15-year-old high school girl, my stress level gradually increases by the day. Sometimes the only thing that can really cool me down is movement. When I exercise, I feel great, both physically and emotionally. Fitness frees the mind like nothing else.

How does your family’s health and fitness affect yours?

My family’s fitness certainly affects my own. Quite honestly, if my parents weren’t so involved in exercise, I probably wouldn’t be either. I really owe it all to my grandpa who should be crowned the king of inspiration. Although now approaching 80 and not as upbeat, my grandpa used to exercise his heart out every day. He played several sports (tennis, golf, track to name a few), went for daily jogs, rode his bike, and most importantly, he passed this initiative onto my mother and her two brothers. I currently live in a very healthy and aware home. My parents and I are very particular about what we eat, so most everything in our kitchen is so called “healthy” or “organic”