I never imagined spinning a flag would be so difficult. Coming from middle school, I thought participating in Color Guard would prove easy, more mentally challenging than physically. I was completely mistaken.

Running then dancing. Dancing then running. Being in the high school Color Guard for almost four years been more strenuous than I anticipated. Continually hauling equipment while sprinting across the field or dancing through the gym, each Color Guard member emerges gasping for breath after every show. Numerous benefits result from partaking in this activity; however, staying fit is not one aspect that most consider.

I, for one, have been assisted in staying fit by having to constantly attend practice. I would not allot time to exercise frequently otherwise. Believing I was done with laps, push-ups, sit-ups and planks once leaving middle school P.E., I was shocked to find the exercises awaiting my arrival during my first summer of band camp.

Occasionally running laps with the band or as punishment, we began our day trekking around the football field, warming up our muscles. After going through a series of stretches, we cranked out a few hundred crunches, depending on how active our instructors are feeling, maybe a cycle of planks and side planks and push-ups. Although the beginning of each exercise starts out well for me, I find myself struggling to properly execute them entirely, especially for push-ups.

I was never particularly strong in middle school; the idea of having to do push-ups was horrific. However, over the years, I have developed my strength, improving from a whopping three push-ups to grand total of 25. Until the number of sit-ups I could do and the amount of time I could maintain a plank position significantly increased, I had not realized I was building much muscle. I had just assumed that the amount of time I spent at guard evened out my peculiar eating schedule, involving my constant snacking, particularly late at night.

I suppose there are plenty of ways to stay in shape without participating in a sport, marching band or cheer, but that requires lasting commitment. People often try exercising to lose weight and attain the “ideal” body or get in shape for their sports teams; however, few workout for their enjoyment and those who are dieting tend to lose their motivation to refrain from unhealthy foods and continue exercising.

During my few attempts at trying to stay in shape during summer vacation, my workout sessions lasted for two weeks at most, failing to continue due to my laziness. On the other hand, when I was required to attend practice, there was no option to skip my workout, making me consistently active.

The activity, however, contains more than just opportunities to exercise. Bringing the members closer together, we spend each rehearsal together with friends, making the activity even more worthwhile. Without those bonds, staying in an activity would become difficult, making you unable to see the point in staying in the team. Staying in shape is just a bonus.

Whenever guard ends for the year, I feel inclined to continue working out in order to maintain my current weight, but there are few moments when that inclination outweighs my laziness.

I, however, have never really been a strong believer in the idea that you could eat a lot if you knew you were going to burn it off later in the day. Granted, I have never been deterred from eating throughout the day. I’ll simply feel bad for indulging in my plethora of snacks.

Even so, it is reassuring to participate in an activity that helps keep you in shape. I’m not sure what I would have done without guard in high school. Perhaps I would be stuck unable to do a single push-up my entire life.