by Amy Greenwood, Harvest Homeowner
A few months ago I knew I needed to get moving. I had regained the almost 40 lbs. I had lost last year, and I was ready to bite the bullet and get back on the wagon.
Dieting isn't the problem. I can do that at home and implement it right away in my everyday life. But exercise? I'll pass. Local options are limited (and quite boring, IMO). I needed something new and fun to get me off the couch this time, and it wasn't going to be a 5am boot camp.
I happened to be in attendance at Mark Reding's birthday party, and somehow we got onto the topic of fitness, losing weight, and needing to find something new to try. Now, I knew Mark owned Reding Martial Arts in Denton, but I wasn't at all ready for his response to my whining. He told me I should come to his Brazilian Ju-jitsu class! Whaaat? Me? Um, no thanks. I'm the least fierce person I know. But, because I was desperate to try something...ANYTHING, new, I agreed to go the following Tuesday.
I had no idea what I was in for when I walked into the studio that Tuesday morning. It wasn't a beginners class, but Mark assured me it was fine, so in I went. I almost died during the 10 minute warmup...these folks are in shape! After a bit of recovery time and a LOT of water, Mark personally started working with me and showing me a few of the most basic submissions and techniques used in BJJ. I was immediately intrigued as I learned and watched, because I could quickly see that it was a brain game as much as it was about strength. It wasn't "fighting" like UFC, and everyone was SO welcoming. Honestly, it was like one 6 minute sweaty logic puzzle. (And I've ALWAYS liked logic puzzles.)
Fast forward 6 weeks, and I am loving life in my (very pink) gi. I am burning TRIPLE the calories in one class than I ever did at boot camp or at the gym on my own. I am down 6 lbs, am thoroughly enjoying the "workout," and am getting to know some great folks in the process. While I still can't make it through an entire class, I've come a long way, and I'm looking forward to the day when I can "roll" with anyone in the room.
If you're looking for a new way to get moving, I'd highly suggest you call Mark and see what he might have for you. There are kids, men's, women's and co-Ed classes. There's Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Kenpo Karate and BJJ at the studio on a regular basis. You'll be surprised...I promise.
Oh, and I wouldn't mess with me. I'm a well-trained MMA gal now. ;)