I finished my fighter bootcamp Tuesday night. It was about 1 1/2 hrs. OMG, it was good! We learned how to “mount” our opponent (oh, yes, I had my way with the trainer), knee someone in the gut and then how to get someone off of you and roll them over. At the end, we did two rounds of speed/strength/boxing drills, and we each got two 1 minute rounds to fight with our trainer. Oh, yeah, and I held a car tire over my head for a minute. (Last week I did 35 shoulder presses with it.) Did I mention he does MMA (that’s mixed martial arts)? He was all padded up with gear and we got to try out our punch combinations and kicks on a real, live target. I did pretty good except one of my kicks connected with his elbow and now my lower shin is sore as hell. It feels like it should be black and blue but instead it’s tender to the touch. Lucky, it’s one of the few places on my legs that don’t bruise. Anyways, it was awesome! I can’t believe I’m saying this but I ENJOY hitting someone. I loved it! As long as they don’t hit me back, that is.
The trainer didn’t present much of a target, he didn’t make it easy and he kept moving which meant I had to go after him which meant by the end of the round I could barely breathe. Damn asthma. It’s those moments that make you realize just how out of shape you are! Kinda makes you appreciate those guys who have to last 3 minutes per round with each other and of course, they’re in supreme condition.
You pay extra for the figher bootcamp, but you certainly get your money’s worth. The class was supposed to be an hour and it was always 1 1/2 hrs. I have to say I was pretty surprised at the level of encouragement and support women receive at this gym. As long as you make an effort, they’re right there cheering you on and don’t make you feel fat and useless. Hubby thinks I have a crush on my trainer. I don’t. I don’t think of him in THAT way, he can’t be more than 25 or so. It’s just that he seems so sincere with his business. He’s not trying to get you to lose weight, he’s teaching you how to punch and kick. He doesn’t criticize you, he only encourages you to do your best. Our group had varying ages and sizes, some in shape and some grossly out of shape. But we all were committed and no one complained. No one has the intention of taking up MMA and certainly don’t want to break anybody’s leg or get a black eye. But when I came home that night, I didn’t care about my sore shin, I felt positively giddy because I felt strong and competent and empowered.
I’ve got a crush on that.
A Woman My Age 
Oh it sounds fantastic! I’ve got to find a way to get back to something like that — we quit our gym membership bc of financial prioritizing (boo) and there’s only so much I can do here without getting bored. I was thinking I might dust off my old tae-bo dvds because I really did enjoy kickboxing moves — it was so much more empowering and interesting to me than the more dance-oriented aerobics stuff which I was never ever good at.
I love to read this though — it gives me hope that I can get there too!
xo
P
The key is actually hitting a target – there were some days when I was so pent up, that only hitting something made me feel better. It’s not for everyone mind you, but since there is technique involved you actually have to think about what you are doing. If for no other reason than not to hurt yourself. For example, I did not know that you have to turn your hips when you throw a punch (hence working core muscles) and keep throwing punches (balance and stamina) and after 30 minutes of giving it my all, I feel calm. Of course, this is good for the anxious and menopausal.
I get a crush on that too! It feels great, doesn’t it? I might have to join your class…and oh shit! I forgot to call you back! Didn’t I? *clunk* head hitting desk. Sorry…
It’s okay, no worries – I do that ALL the time. There is a free demo if you ever get the time.
I would love too. When and where?
Just to be clear, it’s a circuit like Curves except with padded stations. The fighter bootcamp was extra – I send you an email outlining the details. You have to be a member to do the fighter bootcamp. However, I hear they have free events like( boxing and yoga) every now and then and when I hear about the next one, I’ll let you know.
I want in on this too!!
Oh, how I dream of a workout where I am legally allowed to punch & kick a live target It sounds absolutely glorious.
Oh, it is glorious,my friend. I have officially become the FIGHTING BUDDHIST. I may get a satin robe with that emblazoned on the back.
Oh that sounds like fun!
That sounds amazing!
Remind me not to get you mad. Mwahahaha. Actually I’ve been going to a “fitcamp” once a week and it’s GREAT! Being fit makes a huge difference!