Think martial arts is only for guys? Think again!
This past school year, I took up martial arts and boxing classes at the gym and fell in love. My favorites, boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai, always leave me breathless and drenched in sweat, but feeling powerful. These classes don’t just deliver an ass-kicking workout, but also teach us women how to defend ourselves against attackers, which can be a very useful skill for those of us living in big cities like Chicago.
As a workout, martial arts tones the entire body by actively engaging all muscle groups. In a class, you will practice coordination, increase your flexibility, quicken your reflexes, and trim your waist. These workouts are great stress-relievers because what reduces stress better than punching and kicking things? The coaches instructing these classes are certified in the sport, so there’s a slim chance that you’ll get seriously injured (just don’t let your defense down when fighting!)
In a social aspect, working out as a class allows you to form new relationships because it puts you into tight quarters with people you wouldn’t normally meet. I’ve found that I have built the strongest relationships with people whom share my passions. Passionate people let you in, and expose the real them, which makes it easier to connect. And besides, martial arts is no fun if you don’t have someone to fight.
So next time you’re at the gym, ditch that treadmill and sign up for a martial arts class! It may take some experimenting and adjustment, but I’m positive that you will discover your niche.