Adventures in Muay Thai
I only began Muay Thai training a little over a month ago, but already it feels like an important part of my life. My weekly lesson is something to look forward to; even though I know that each session is going to require a lot of effort. The first couple of times left my sore for days afterwards. It is getting easier though; just like the trainer said it would. It’s just so satisfying to be finally involved in something that I’ve wanted to do for years.
As well as the weekly lesson I put in about fifty minutes every day at home. I spend most of the day sitting in front of the computer so this daily training session is important for me. In the evenings after my work is finished for the day I also spend a bit of time on my punch bag; a great way to unwind. I would love to be able to attend the gym twice a week, but I just don’t have the time. It is not only the time spent at the class that needs to be taken into account, but also the time stuck in the Bangkok traffic going there and coming back. Maybe in a few months my schedule will settle down enough that I can fit in another class. I want to improve and learn as much as I can.
The Muay Thai training is definitely the best workout I’ve ever attempted. It’s hard but I manage to somehow get to the end of each session. The first few weeks I tried to cheat on the 100 bench sit-ups but now I’m managing to do them all – well at least ninety anyway. I worried that my age, and the fact that I’d abused my body for years with alcohol, would make things too difficult, but it is amazing how I’m adapting. I get home after a hard session and still find myself nipping out to my back yard to hit the punch bag. My original plan was to just learn Muay Thai for two or three years and just get it out of my system; after that I could find a less demanding martial art. I’m finding though that this really is something that people can do at practically any age.
I think a lot of ex-pats in Thailand get of shape while living here; the year-round heat makes it just so tempting to do nothing. Muay Thai is a great solution and I’m proof that this is something that anyone can enjoy no matter what their age. I read some of the martial arts blogs from people living in different parts of the world; there are many people who dream of learning Muay Thai in Thailand. Those of us who already live here are lucky because we can easily learn the Thai national sport.
Bhanjanagar Don’t Forget to Visit the Middle Aged Muay Thai Website (just click on the highlighted text and you will be taken right there)
Paul I once chanced on a Muay Thai training came in PKK. It provided a fascinating insight into the sport and the training the boxers undergo.
I am not really a martial arts person but I can appreciate the work outs are beneficial. You are so right in your closing paragraph. the heat and humidity has affected my will to keep up my fitness levels.
I do walk and ride my bike but given the level of fitness I was at in the UK I am now definitely unfit.
Thanks Mike, I think that as long as we find some activity we enjoy it can keep ill health at bay. I always feel so sluggish when I’m out of shape. I have noticed that while many ex-pats get a new lease of life when they first move here this can later turn to ill-health and obesity.