How I Beat Diabetes and Cholesterol Through Kickboxing

Last Updated on December 15, 2022.

How I Beat Diabetes and Cholesterol Through Kickboxing in Cherry Hill NJ

By: Michael Hess –  TSMA Cherry Hill
My name is Michael Hess and I am a 44 year old Diesel Technician from New Jersey. I am in remission from cancer and have been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and high cholesterol. I was prescribed both pills and injections for my medical conditions which I hated to take. My doctor’s continued to tell me to lose weight and that I could possibly get off of the medications and manage my conditions with diet and exercise. I knew it had to be done; however, I didn’t have the ambition to do it.

Michael Hess before joining Tiger Schulmann's Ramsey

I first came to Tiger Schulmann’s MMA for my 16 year old daughter who wanted to join kickboxing. They were offering a free trial class so we brought her. She loved it! So there I was driving her to kickboxing and sitting in the waiting area watching for an hour three days a week while she attended class. Meantime my doctor’s are still telling me I should lose weight and I’m constantly saying “I should join a gym.”

“I have been kickboxing for almost 6 months now and have lost 42 lbs and still going. I am off of my medications and am now managing my health with exercise and diet.”

At that point I figured since I’m sitting here anyway I should give it a try. I started the following week. Now, I love it! It was hard in the beginning, but the instructors are wonderful and very encouraging. I have been kickboxing for almost 6 months now and have lost 42 lbs and still going. I am off of my medications and am now managing my health with exercise and diet.

Michael Hess after beating diabetes posing with Sensei Baker at Tiger Schulmann's Ramsey

I feel great and I am in the best shape of my life. I am now engaging in life and not just watching from the side lines. My daughter and I have bonded and are spending more time together through kickboxing and now we have something in common. I recently earned my High White belt and was promoted in the Intermediate Kickboxing class too. Tiger Schulmann’s MMA and Sensei Baker have changed my life for the better more than I can put into words.