Head of the class - success stories

Shape, Nov, 2003

"My professor invited a martial-arts instructor to class, and he showed us how fitness could be fun."

I was in my mid-20s when I went back to school to earn my bachelor's degree. One of the requirements was a health-education class; when I signed up for it, I thought it would be an easy A since it would entail lessons on personal hygiene and human reproduction.

My professor covered those topics and more, including nutrition and exercise. When he presented the topic of fitness, he discussed the Body Mass Index (BMI) and invited a personal trainer to the class to measure everyone's BMI. When he measured mine, I was shocked that my BMI ranked me as borderline obese. At 5 feet 4 inches and 165 pounds, I was putting myself at risk for problems like heart disease and cancer.

For the next few weeks, I thought about how I could make fitness an achievable goal. Then, when the class covered the topic of exercise, my professor invited a martial-arts instructor, and he showed us how fitness could be fun. The instructor's demonstration left me fascinated by the dynamics of combat and wanting to learn martial arts.

I decided to try kickboxing and found a class In my area. I took it slow at the first session and found I really enjoyed it. For the next hour, my heart was pumping and my muscles were working in ways they hadn't in years. I was sore the next day, but I felt like my body had found something it had been craving, and I vowed to go back.

For the next three months, I attended kickboxing classes two to three times a week: Even though I lost only 5 pounds, I dropped three dress sizes since I was gaining muscle. I saw definition in my arms, legs and shoulders, thanks to the push-ups, sit-ups, punches and kicks I did in each session.

Although I was thrilled with the changes in my body, I wanted to lose more body fat and knew I had to alter my eating habits to make that happen. So I joined an online weight-loss support group. Through the Web site, I learned how to manage my portion sizes, listen to my hunger cues and make better food choices. I also started weight training and engaging in other activities, such as running and elliptical training, on the days I wasn't doing martial arts.

With these changes, I lost another 15 pounds over the course of a year and now weigh a healthy 145 pounds. My passion for martial arts grew, and I started learning tae kwon do. I've earned a brown belt and participated in several tournaments.

My commitment to health and fitness is nonnegotiable. The most important thing I've learned is that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to.

WORKOUT SCHEDULE

Martial arts: 60 minutes/2-3 times a week Running or elliptical trainer: 30 minutes/2 times a week Weight training: 30 minutes/3-4 times a week

MAINTENANCE TIPS

1. You can eat all the foods you love as long as they are in moderation and part of a healthy, balanced diet.

2. Change your cardio routine, lift a heavier weight, try a new activity or run a little farther. Keep your body challenged to avoid getting into a fitness rut.

3. Don't let your fears get in the way of trying a new activity. Anxiety is normal when starting something new.

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