kickboxing

Hi Friends!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written... (I say that way too often, I know)

Anyway, I'm back to writing comfortably today because of the snow! I am perched quite comfortably under 5 blankets, in the World's Best Bed. (most of you know what I'm talking about) The snow has given me a nice day to recover from my Kickboxing excursion from yesterday.

I am considering joining a Dojo and learning how to kickbox. The level of pain I am in today is a good indicator that this could be a great way to get in shape, and I definitely sweat off at least 3 pounds in 45 minutes too.

About 3 months ago I got it into my head that martial arts would be my next adventure. I need some kind of fitness routine in my life and because I hate running and I've read that a lot of Hollywood stars get in shape through martial arts, I decided to look into it. So, I researched a few places nearby and only one has emailed me since. The most recent email I got was an offer for a free trial class with a free uniform and gloves. I went for it.

Now I can barely think without wincing or groaning. You may think this is an exaggeration but I promise you, typing is just about the only thing I can do without being sore. Breathing deeply hurts and walking would be easier if I did it on my hands. Literally, I can't take two steps without my knees locking, then I start laughing at myself because I know I look ridiculous but I'm in so much pain I don't know how to make it from my room to the bathroom so I just kneel down (no small feat) and crawl to the bathroom which is only slightly less painful. My calves feel like I had palm sized pebbles surgically inserted inside the muscle so that when I walk they try to flex and bunch but just can't because there's a rock in the way.

My mom had us help shovel this morning, so you can only imagine what it looked like when I tottered down the front steps in heavy snow boots with my locking legs. My shoulders are exhausted from all of the punching I did yesterday so trying to maneuver the shovel with any kind of speed or accuracy was completely hopeless. I resorted to balancing the handle on my stomach and shuffling down to the end of the driveway in an attempt to move some snow. The only time I raised the shovel off the ground was to slam it back down again in anger when it got stuck on a piece of gravel and gave me the Heimlich.

In all reality though, I loved the class. It kicked my butt and I felt good working hard. So, here's where I need your help, dear readers. I need to weigh the pros and cons and get your advice.

The major problem is cost. The class is $97 a month and I think you're committed to 6 months. It comes out to about $582. I plan to use Christmas money to pay for it and if I went to 3 classes a week it would cost about $10/class. My biggest fear here is, what happens if I get a job and I can't go in the morning or evening anymore. There is a class offered on Saturdays but that's kind of limiting. Class was from 9:30 to 10:15 yesterday and it's offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at that time as well as 6pm evening classes 3 days a week. You can go to as many or as few as you'd like.

On the Pro side, I really liked the class. I feel like I could be successful in it and that the financial commitment would be a great motivator for me to show up 3 times a week. I REALLY need something to kick start my fitness situation. Everyone was so nice and I feel like it's a good community to be a part of, one that will support me. I was so afraid I was going to be lost and feel stupid yesterday but I never did! Of course I was a little slower than everyone else and a beat or two off in some of the exercises but I never felt like anyone was watching me or judging me. Before and after class people were nothing but supportive and during class, everyone was focused on themselves and their techniques. At the end of class I was awarded my white belt because I'd completed one class and I displayed the courage needed to pursue martial arts. After two classes I'll get a stripe on my belt, after two more another stripe and so on until I have 4 stripes. Then, I'll be eligible to test for the next belt level.

I really don't know what to do in this situation. If anyone who reads this has any words of wisdom or advice please comment!! I need some help!