[JenniferZ]

So, I am closer to 40 than 30. I have a great life, husband and kids. I just weaned my son mid-October and realized that things are just not where I left them before I entered the realm of "motherhood." After I had my daughter, I was able (with a little discipline and not much else) to actually return to a weight that was 15 pounds LESS than my pre-pregnancy weight. This time, though, it's not so easy and things just aren't "firm" anymore, if ya know what I mean.

Anyway, I have decided that next summer I WILL wear a real bikini and not the mommy tankinis I have been sporting of late. After some thought and encouragement from friends and husband, I decided to pursue some sort of martial art. So, I googled "quiz what martial art to take" and "martial arts quiz" and eventually found some fairly helpful ones. My top two results were Aikido and Kung Fu – whatever they are, right? I thought to myself, "What are the chances that there is an Aikido studio within 100 miles of this house?" Well, it turns out that the chances are pretty good, because Itten Dojo, an Aikido school, is 2.5 miles from my front door. I took this as a sign and after MORE encouragement from friends (one of whom takes Kung Fu), I took the plunge and decided to call.

Turns out, you don't just "get in" to this dojo. It's not like signing up to join the "Y." There is a phone interview, an invitation (and requirement) to observe a class, and then, a post-observation interview. So, I had a phone conversation with the owner/lead trainer and scheduled my observation. The class was, I am reluctant to say it, but it was beautiful! The movements are so powerful, but so very graceful; it looks like liquid steel.

I thought just sitting and watching the hour-and-a-half class would be boring, but the time flew! I asked some questions and the instructors were very helpful and welcoming. There were two other women in the class, so I spoke to them afterwards. They both were very encouraging and when I emerged from the changing room and the instructor asked, “Well, what do you think?” I replied, “I think I’d like to give it a try!”

As of this writing, I have four classes under my white belt and already I notice a difference in my body. The scale hasn’t changed more than one pound, but my jeans are falling off and I think I need to go down one bra size! (I am OK with this…)

I thought that I would be scared to be one of only a few women in my class – I’m not! I thought that I would be uncomfortable with the amount of close-contact required in performing Aidido – I’m not! I thought that I would be nervous about not “getting” any of the moves – I’m not! While my ineptitude is glaring and I am not nearly as graceful as my classmates, everyone has been very supportive and quick to remind me that they all started where I am now. One other noteworthy observation is while the men clearly outnumber the women, I have not sensed one iota of patronizing behavior, which is surprising considering the amount of testosterone flowing around.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my new venture with my SG family and totally recommend martial arts as part of a fitness plan! (Not only does the class itself provide an amazingly strenuous workout, but the fact that I have to “perform” in front of very fit individuals motivates me to do some sort of physical activity on my non-class days!)

So, here’s to getting fit (or hot!) -- whichever your motivation!!

[cherise]

That sounds great Jennifer! I'm so glad that you found something that you are really excited about . . . no doubt it will do wonders for you both physically and emotionally. Can't wait to hear your progress!

[sheriL]

Welcome to martial arts! I've been doing tae kwon do for just over a year now, and I love it. I have to admit I haven't slimmed down as much as I would like, but that probably has more to do with my eating, and with the lack of exercise the 5 days a week I'm not training. I have definitely noticed a change in my endurance & in my flexibility - I can actually easily touch my toes now (that may not seem like a big deal, but its something I've NEVER been able to do, even when I was young & thin!).
Have fun - you'll be amazed at the things you'll learn, and how fast your body can adapt.

[sheriL]

I forgot to add - good luck with the getting fit! Sounds like a great goal to me.

[StephRN]

Wow, this sounds great. I'm so glad you are motivated. Your motivation is motivating me. I really apprciate your share.

[Smiles]

Congratulations and hang in there!
For those of us women who were raised during the time "girls didn't sweat," feeling at home in our bodies and finally enjoying how we feel when we're in shape can really be a big breakthrough.
Doesn't it feel great?