So far it's been very cool. I've done three classes total- all Intro MMA. I took some boxing classes when I lived in Brooklyn and did Krav Maga a few summers ago- so this is similar to those. Honestly, it's been so nice just to wrap my hands again or pt on gloves and throw some punches.
It feels more like ballet class at this point- learning routines in slow motion, practicing things over and over so they're ingrained. Eventually, the idea is that you put these moves together in a sparring session...but that's at least 8 weeks from now. For now, you focus on form; you tap your motivation; you try to get back in shape- like real shape...which is good. And classes are good too, since there's a coach and a team and a purpose. Self defense skills are good to have and women like a guy with fight skills. They think it's sexy- which is good.
So here's what I've learned from Coach Robbie at Robot so far:
1- how to wrap your hands
2- to keep your right hand up to your brow to protect yourself; and to bring your left back after you throw it
3- footwork
4- dodge and pivot as a person charges at you
5- shadow boxing- keep it slow, focus on one thing
6- train in 3 min intervals
7- hold pads in front of you not out to the side, so your body can help absorb the hit
8- walk the red line between the mats when exiting
9- put shoes on as soon as you get off the mat
10- bow and shake before and after each session
It's been fun and different. I think that's important with fitness- finding new challenges and being open to new things. You bring certain things with you- pushing through pain (holding your hands up stresses your shoulders, similar to paddling through difficult waves), pacing yourself (if you're doing timed calisthenics- pick a number in your mind of reps- don't just go as hard as possible), and attitude (you have to be loose and have fun but strong and determined too. And it's fueled the old metabolism too... I can feel my body craving protein, among other things.
It's a two month summer membership- and the people there are all very cool...so seems like a great place for me- and a good outlet .
7/5
Just did a strength/conditioning course with Coach Andrew. 11-12pm. Crossfit style.
Stretching- 10 min
Metabolic Conditioning- 10 min- kettlebell swings to burpees (10 rounds x 1 min each)
Strength circuit- 30 minutes (6 exercises x 5 rounds)
- pullups- 5x
- pushups- 10x
- split squat (5s)
- back (x5)
- clean (3-2-1)
- lunge (16)
I thought it was only ok...granted I wasn't in a great mood and dehydrated from drinking last night.
7/8
Went to Robot yesterday for Fight class. It was crowded- their Mon night Intro class.
After basic conditioning- sets of timed push ups, air squats, mountain climbers, jump squats, shadow boxing, core work, we partnered up and did dodging drills and thengot gloves and practiced taking hits followed by jab hook cross blocking drills. It's tough to keep your hands up for that long and throwing punches you feel it in your lats...Also sidestepping and being on your feet is good general conditioning. It's a good workout- you sweat a ton and I feel it in my core right now and shoulders, and glutes are sore too.