Time to Hang Up the Gloves-Goodbye Kickboxing Classes

gloves for kickboxing classes

My kickboxing gloves may have seen their last punch. While I am sad to see them go, I just recently realized that the activity I love is causing me more harm than good.

I have been enjoying kickboxing for about five years, maybe more. I like cardio-kickboxing and kickboxing with bags. Both give me a physical workout like no other. Not to mention, the mental workout is addictive. Through the years I have worked out so many frustrations in my kickboxing classes that it seemed more like therapy than exercise. Whether I was punching air or slamming a bag, I loved visualizing the target in my mind.

Every class made me feel good. In the moment, I’d get a killer workout and afterwards I enjoyed the mental clarity that comes from a good sweat.  Recently, however, my lifelong back issues seem to be exacerbated by my beloved kickboxing classes. The biggest problem is that, while I’m in class, I feel great. The adrenalin is pumping, I’m in the zone and I feel strong and powerful.

But now, I’m the one feeling beaten down for days, sometimes weeks, following my classes. I only realized that my kickboxing classes were the problem when my loved ones called my attention to it. Because I never felt pain during class, it never occurred to me that the kickboxing classes were, in fact, the problem.

When I gave up running because of my back, I knew without question that running itself was the source of my pain. Somehow, I just never made the connection to my kickboxing classes which now leaves me with the difficult choice to give up an activity that I really enjoy.

The reality is, I don’t see any way around it. I’m getting older and my body just can’t do the things it used to. So sadly, I must say goodbye to my boxing gloves. Kickboxing, along with running, jumping rope and jumping jacks, must be a thing of my past in favor of lower impact activities that won’t leave me quite so broken.

Alas, getting older is tough, but after just one week free of kickboxing I already feel relief.

“Don’t be afraid of change. You might lose something good, but you’ll gain something better.”

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kiki
6 years ago

It’s good that you were able to figure out the source of your pain. I know you’ll find something low impact to replace this activity….maybe swimming?

Ginny
6 years ago

Loved your quote.

Carolyn
6 years ago

I know how you feel Beth. When I retired; I had to give up power walking 4-4 1/2 mi in an hour and slow down. I loved how I felt walking and powering my arms; but knees and lower back forced me to slow down. Moderate paced walking for at least 30 min. a day has replaced faster stride; but aches are gone.
You will find a replacement!

Brenna
6 years ago

That’s a bummer, but good for you for knowing what you have to do.

Darlene Allen
6 years ago

Sorry to hear about your back problems. Maybe it’s time for Barre classes or something that is less impact on joints?