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.
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?
Loved your quote.
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!
That’s a bummer, but good for you for knowing what you have to do.
Sorry to hear about your back problems. Maybe it’s time for Barre classes or something that is less impact on joints?