And it begins.

My fitness journey began 3 months ago, January 31st, 2011 when I attended my first LA Boxing class with my brother.  He had invited me for months to join him for a class.  Many things had held me back from saying yes: I was out of shape, I didn't have time, and I didn't want to look like a fool.  Looking back, I can't believe I let those excuses hold me back.

My first class was hard.  I was out of breath, I felt awkward, and I even had to sit out for part of the class when I began to feel light-headed.  But something during that class clicked.  I was enjoying myself.  Fitness for me had recently become equated to boring sessions on the elliptical (and avoiding the treadmill at all costs), mediocre weight-lifting exercises, and sub-par motivation.  In one hour, that vision was shattered.  And since then, in the past three months, everything has changed.

I started simply doing class with my brother and one of our good friends 4-5 times a week.  With some free time in my schedule and good company, exercise became something I looked forward to.  The classes consist of approximately 50% boot camp type material (squats, lunges, push ups, ab work) and 50% bag work (combinations and endurance drills).  My form, speed, and endurance slowly improved, as did my confidence!  I even started doing sparring training with one of our instructors at the gym.

On one of my off days from boxing/kickboxing last month, I went the small gym in my apartment complex.  Instead of avoiding the treadmill like the plague, I was drawn to it.  I had found an easy interval training routine (that I had tried unsuccessfully to complete previously a few months ago) and wanted to try it again.  I jumped on the treadmill and was elated to finish it strong.  While I still don't like running, it was a clear sign of the progress I had made.  I've had many of those moments in recent weeks, moments where I can hear that voice screaming in my head, "Yes!"

Moving forward, time will be the hardest constraint for me as I graduate and start a very challenging career. It won't be easy to balance everything, but I am hoping with a strong foundation of fitness knowledge and my new found motivation will carry me through.