Build Confidence… Do Something That Scares You

Have you heard the saying “The best way to build confidence is to do something your terrified of”? Well I have, and since I recently moved from my hometown in Alaska to Idaho of all places… many things have been terrifying me. From the getting ready to go, to the applying for new jobs in a totally foreign area or even just trying to navigate the interstate. So I decided to take it all one step further since everything was already crazy… I joined a Muay Thai class.

I’ve been interested in Muay Thai for years now, and wanted to learn to box way back in high school. I was told I couldn’t train back then by my parents because it would “mess up your face”. Well… that just led me to putting off something I wanted to do till I had the means, time, money, etc. You know how that all works out with excuses steamrolling together. Well, here I am with more time than I can use and money saved up. So what the hell, right?

So I signed up, at a MMA training gym. For me this seemed legitimately the best place to go. I’ve attended 2 classes so far, not amazing I know, and so since I’m still a complete newbie let me explain something I didn’t see coming.

1. There’s actually quite a few girls/women interested in Muay Thai and training as well. It’s not just me!
2. The guys in the classes are actually really friendly. I had a stereotype in my head so I was expecting these gruff rude men. I’m happily surprised.
3. There isn’t really a beginner day… at least not where I am at. You literally get thrown right in. The trainer comes over and says “your new…” and you go “yeah…” and then they give you quick pointers so you know what they mean when they are yelling for everyone to do something. And off you go.
4. Flexibility is key. I had no idea I could kick as high as my head… because I’ve never tried. Now I know… thankfully I am pretty flexible but I’ve already come across some kicks I just can’t do yet.
5. You know you’re going to be sore… you really have no idea. I mean, absolutely no idea. Imagine being sore from lifting some heavy weight, like on leg-day. It’s hard to stand-up right? Now imagine you can’t even roll out of bed. The day after my first day I couldn’t even reach for my cup of coffee without wincing. After the second day I couldn’t stand up straight… because my Rectus Femoris was sore from all the high kicks. I didn’t even know what that muscle was until that day. Fun fact… it’s necessary to literally hold you upright. I’ve been lifting weights since before I started training… trust me when I say there is a big difference in sore.
6. Be prepared to get a little beat-up. The second day I had bruised my toenail and had a few scabs on my foot… not the worst thing in the world but made choosing shoes for my interviews tricky. Say no to ballet flats… nooooooooo.
7. Eat something before hand. I don’t know how some people workout on empty stomachs but it would make me hangry. And no one would probably let me stay in a class hangry… so make yourself something that can get you through some intense hour-long cardio. Like half of a peanut-butter banana sandwich. It’s quick and full of nutrients that will keep you fueled. It’s my go-to for pre-runs and now pre-boxing.