When I saw that my gym was offering a kickboxing/physical training class, I signed up right then and there.
- I imagined something like a women’s self defense class.
I figured I would learn how to punch, get out of choke holds and get a good workout. When I walked into my first class I realized it was a whole different thing all together. For starters, I am the only woman in my fitness class. Next, the class is geared towards actually learning how to kickbox. I have learned proper punches, hooks, uppercuts and elbows. I also know how to snap kick, roundhouse and rear kick. The personal trainer running the class runs it like a kickboxing class. We partner up and hold pads for each other going down the mat doing different strikes. Later on everyone takes a heavy bag and practices their kicks while the trainer fixes your technique. There are speed bags and punch drills that the trainer pulls you aside for. Being the only woman in class makes it sort of tough. Men are naturally arm strong, so the class focuses a ton on upper body. There is one drill that has us do a push up, leap up and do right, left punch. Then you do it again, again and again. I just about die when that one comes out. I am really liking the class though. I feel so much stronger and more confident. The men are not mean to me either. My partner I work with is about my height and doesn’t try to hurt me. He has way better arm strikes but my kicks are higher.