Last Updated on March 29, 2013.
“Approximately six months ago I walked through the door at Tiger ?s weighing 310 lbs. Today I?m down 75 lbs.”
I decided I wanted to interview a student who has been training since September 2012. When I sat down with Jamie she had quite an interesting story about her training and why she started kickboxing. Here is her story.I started training at TSMMA in September 2012.
Years ago I saw a Tiger Schulmann?s Kickboxing commercial on TV. That commercial stuck in my head whenever I thought about karate. I decided as my last resort, I would give the school a chance. Not only could I get in better shape, I could learn to defend myself as I?m a realtor and meet with people I don?t know.
Last year when I came to TSMMA I was at a point in my life that if I didn’t find something or someone to help me lose weight my health and my life was going to be in serious trouble. I couldn’t spend any time outside with my son playing sports or even go on a roller coaster with him. And my weight was affecting some of my other relationships. I was so out of shape I couldn’t enjoy my life. I tried many other diet and fitness exercise programs. None of them worked. They got old and boring, with minimal results. I even hired a personal trainer. That was unsuccessful. A few of my family members had weight loss surgery. They lost the weight but had serious health issues after the surgery. Each of them had strokes even after losing the weight. Surgery was an option but NOT one for me. I tried “The Jenny Craig Diet“. That was an epic fail and very expensive. When I stopped eating their food I gained back the weight. The Weight watchers diet has a confusing point system. Neither taught me how to eat healthy away from their food and on my own. The personal trainer I hired was more interested in her looks and life, than me. She made everything so complicated. I tried Slim Fast, diet pills and fasting shakes. EVERYTHING I could think of. I needed a program that would take a great deal of commitment and help me change my entire life style. From what I ate to how I was exercising, and how much sleep I required.
“For me its not just about fitting into a pair of jeans, its about being alive and fighting for your right to live”
On my way to my first kickboxing class all I could think about was that I was never going to make it through class and that people were going to laugh at me if I was unable to finish the class. I was terrified and constantly thinking of excuses to cancel my trial class. However, I didn’t cancel. This was something I needed to do. I made it through that first kickboxing class and “WOW, did I feel great”. I had such an overpowering feeling of accomplishment and pride that I actually got a workout. A real workout. Not just a workout where you walk on the treadmill for a mile (or less) and stop. I was so caught up in the workout, the hour flew by quickly. I knew this was going to be the program that would work for me. Everything I needed was here. Shihan Simpson revamped my entire menu and eating habits including when to eat, how much to eat and types of food to eat. He said it wasn’t a diet, but a nutrition program. He told me it would take some serious work, and that all I had to do is get myself to the school and he and Joshu Fonda would take care of the rest. I had never felt so motivated to lose weight and become a healthier person!
Shihan and Joshu have always kept the workouts challenging, but never give the students anything beyond their individual capabilities. Everyone comes to kickboxing class for their own specific goals whether it be fitness or self defense. It is a family that trains together and helps each other achieve those goals. We all have a great deal of respect for each other knowing how much effort, focus and strength it takes to accomplish our results! The camaraderie at the school is remarkable. When you?re tired and feel like quitting, your classmates/teammates encourage you to finish. They share in the happiness of your successes and encourage you to move forward if you?ve had a setback. They are always willing to help out.
“Because of Tiger Schulmann?s kickboxing I have more self confidence”
Because of Tiger ?s I have more self confidence. Before, I would focus on my weaknesses instead of my strengths. I had no self worth. It wasn’t okay to be me. I don?t know why I?ve spent the majority of my life trying to be someone else?s version of me when my version is much better. Now I have the ability to stand up for what I believe in, even if someone else doesn’t believe in the same thing. My husband has even seen a big change in me.
“For anyone trying to lose weight I recommend that you find something you love to do. Engage yourself, live, and disconnect your cable. Stop watching people have a life on TV and live your own”. Go live your life and stop putting things off. Before you know it, it will be 10-15 years or possibly to late. For me its not just about fitting into a pair of jeans, its about being alive and fighting for your right to live. Being able to see your kids grow up. Being able to be present in their lives. Playing ball with them outside.
“For anyone trying to lose weight I recommend that you find something you love to do. Engage yourself, live, and disconnect your cable. Stop watching people have a life on TV and live your own”.
I finally decided to step up my training and try kickboxing. I felt like kickboxing would empowered me and give me another type of full body workout. Kickboxing was my last hope in accomplishing my aggressive weight loss. I love it!
Approximately six months ago I walked through the door at Tiger ?s weighing 310 lbs. Today I?m down 75 lbs. and weighing 235 lbs. As of right now my goal is to lose another 75 lbs. I know I still have a long road ahead and continue to face many obstacles, but I’m ready for it!
