Why I take Body Combat

As I mentioned in a previous post, I rejoined a gym in Feb, 2011.  The first time I joined was back in 2005.  At that time, I only did machines and free weights.  Classes weren't for me.  Classes were attended by people with cute outfits who knew exactly what they were doing.  In my head, everyone looked like they belonged in a Jane Fonda exercise video. (Google it if you are too young to remember.)

So the first classes I took last year with a friend were a revelation.  People dress in a variety of ways, some chic, some not so chic.  And the attendees vary just as widely in skill levels.  Some were newbies like me.  Some could have been instructors themselves.  Everyone was welcoming and friendly.

I tried a few different classes, but my all time favorite is Les Mills Body Combat.  It's a no-contact, mixed martial arts, cardio class.  I haven't taken any official martial arts classes, but a friend who has says these classes are realistic.

We do jabs, hooks, uppercuts, side kicks, roundhouse kicks, front kicks, and back kicks in various combinations.  Add in some Muay Thai knees and elbows for variety.  Do eight tracks of that, then see if you have the energy to do the crunches and push-ups in track nine.

I've been going to the classes long enough that the instructors and attendees hold me accountable for my absences.  I can miss for a migraine or to have new brakes installed.  I cannot miss just because I didn't feel like going.  And that works for me.  That keeps me going when I would rather not.

On those days I reluctantly drag myself to a class, I almost always feel better afterwards.  I can punch, jab, and kick all my stress away.  Sometimes, there is a face on my virtual opponent.

Besides the stress release, and the cardio benefits, Body Combat makes me feel tough.  It makes me feel like I can face down the stresses of life.

And when I needed to make a closet shelf fit in the garbage bin, I side-kicked that sucker into little pieces.