Muay Thai Kickboxing - Day One

arriving at the gym at 6.45am for a 7am start, humidity thick & warm, i was filled with excitement, supporting a headache and not quite sure what to expect we started with the skipping warmup. skipping on a concrete floor with a thin sheet of carpet over the top i knew my calves were going to get a hammering. i had also found out that there was an optional 5 kilometre run before the class starts.

being spoilt and having two trainers wrap up my hands at the same time.... i didn't know what to say but smile and thank them.

heading into my first set of one minute rounds with a trainer which team box has now nicknamed - the G*#@

being very excited and willing to learn anything and everything maybe my enthusiasm got me into a bit of trouble.

one of my first kicks i accidentally kicked the G*#@ in the balls.... Oops!!! i apologised profusely....

then he asked me to kick him in the ribs which i did and he missed catching it therefore he got wounded. from then on he wanted to make sure that i knew who was boss as he was more than happy to hit my head & kick my legs from under me and have me hit the ground nice and hard, with no apologies.... this happened in both the morning and afternoon session a plethora of hits, kicks and falls!!! he also finally managed to rip my earring out as well....

after the first morning session had finished, i walked away with some of the biggest bruises i have ever had, swollen feet & ankles and tightening calves. to think i was going to head back for another session in the afternoon i knew this was the start to a new mental, emotional & physical challenge as this was what i had signed up for..... my goal is to complete 14 sessions in total.

not being that close to team box just yet i wasn't really able to express how i felt.... i smiled & learnt to suck up the pain from my bruises and swelling in my feet & ankles.

after the afternoon session had finished, i had one of the american girls come up & say that the G*#@ really had it in for me!! i had thought that too but didn't want to take things personally and then found out that one of the other boys from Team Box got the same treatment as well. that's when the nickname "the G*#@!!!" came about.

Day One:

1. 10 minute skipping & 5 minute warmup with the trainer
2. 5 minute stretching
3. punches & kicks on the bag
4. 4 x 1 minute rounds in the ring with a trainer, afternoon session 5 x 1 minute rounds (one on one)
5. more practice kicks on the bag
6. pushups & situps
7. stretch
8. averaging two hour workout instead of 3 hours

same program for the afternoon

T -1 R&R

the final day for some rest and relaxation....

therefore we hit the beach, got a massage, i bought some new boxing gloves, dinner and an early night....

T - 1

1. rest day - last day before D - Day

T - 2 settling in...

with the flight running late and sitting next to an older man who smelt like he had just consumed a bottle of whisky & twelve packets of cigarettes which he then topped up with at least a dozen beers before we landed.... i was more than ready to get off the flight, stretch my legs and get some fresh air.

jumping into a cab with a couple of the team.... we were tired and ready to get to the resort to catchup on some zzzz's, as this stage it was heading into 4am sydney time (thailand is three hours behind.)

if only it was that easy.... after bullet (one of the main boys from team box) had mentioned that the thai people drive a little crazy, speed and it was normal. our cab driver hits a girl on the back of the scooter after he decides to take off before the light goes green..... the girl comes off the scooter and skids on her back for about 10 metres with no helmut.

at this stage we are all shocked and i felt incredibly ill as i was in the front of the cab. my worst fear had crossed my mind and i wanted to be sick....

we find out that she is alive and not quite sure what was going to happen with the cab driver & the girl. details were exchanged and we continue on to the resort.

arriving at the resort we find out that i do not have a room available regardless i had booked the accommodation three weeks prior and my new found team mates were kind enough to let me bunk in with them on a spare bed for couple nights. finally we hit the sack after 5am sydney time....

T - 2

1. rest day - recovery from the excitement
2. check out the boxing gym and meet some of the trainers
3. meet the rest of the crew from team box

T -3 up, up and away

i am finally up, up and away....

who would have thought that just over a couple of months ago i was sitting on my lounge thinking about a journey and randomly decided to raise the bar with my boxing and dive straight into this physical challenge....

with a week of muay thai kickboxing as the physical challenge and having the opportunity to travel with a pro kickboxer was already a great start. then randomly another once in a lifetime experience falls into my lap, what are the chances? the invitation is to join twenty medical students from the US in a course to live & learn about 'eastern holistic practices' for a week at a beautiful retreat on one of the virgin islands in the south of thailand.

this is perfect 'yin yang' experience

T - 3

1. rest day - fly out to phuket thailand

i'll try and keep the blogs as updated as possible.... obviously it will depend on time and where i can get on the net.

once again thankyou for all your support as it has been overwhelming and has touched me dearly...... wish me luck :)

T - 4 hit me!!!!

here's a fun training story....

this random guy whom i had never seen in class before was very loud and rowdy!!!

having a chance to spar with him was hilarious as he wanted me to hit him!!! with the combination of ducks etc he had refused to duck and i was forced to stand on my tippy toes to ensure that the pad went over his head and not hit him.

he yells out "HIT ME!!!" and i refused to.... then he just stood there every time he was suppose to duck, he just didn't. finally i decided to just go for it and i hit him with the pad!!! BAM!!!! he screams "YES YES, NOW WE CAN PLAY!!!!" and he grabbed me around the neck and wrestled me to the ground. Too funny & a good laugh!!!!

T -4

1. ride class with a twist - the final cycle class until i get back. just remember this week is my week of tapering therefore training sessions have quite limited.

T - 5 kudos

if you have been following my blog from the beginning you would have read about the boys messing me up in this intermediate/advanced kickboxing class which certainly gave me a very cold reception.

in brief: the boys weren't afraid to give me a run for my money considering i had NEVER sparred before. after a few jabs to the mouth (without a mouth guard) and a couple of big hits to the head and one guy nearly ripping my earring out, i had adrenalin running through my body, a thorn in my side & a mission to ensure i wasn't going to get muscled out of this class.

kudos to those boys: after being put into a position to defend myself and deal with a class full of male testosterone they set me in the right frame of mind to FIRE UP!!!! everyone knows i love to 'fire up' with training and they dangled the right carrot to force myself to head into the next level.

investing time into the bag i finally got my own back.... "the cheeky assassin!!!" ( must apologise as i have to rewrite that entry that i lost ) lets just say i finally earnt my cred and they now have respect for me.... happy days :)

T - 5

1. 1 hour ride class without a twist - technically a rest day but did a fill in cycle class for JC

T - 6 "are you ready?"

"are you ready?" has been the most recently asked question of late.

i will admit i am no guru in the muay thai kickboxing hence obviously attending class, putting it into practice, absorbing as much information as possible then drawing from my craft and working it together.

after seven weeks of specific training the results have definitely spoken for themselves and i am happy with my preparation.

although i'm feeling strong & healthy, there is no doubt that i will be mentally, physically & emotionally challenged but that it what i signed up for :)

T - 6

1. rest day - as i had mentioned before this is my week of tapering.

T - 7 countdown...

well doesn't time fly when you are having fun...

with only four sleeps to go before i fly out on friday and seven sleeps till i start my first day at the muay thai kickboxing gym in phuket.... i am officially on the countdown.

this is the week of tapering off and ensuring i effectively rest my body so i am not exhausted and tired by the time i hit the real training.

great advice from a couple of trainers who have been keeping a close eye on my progress and taking a keen interest in my preparation.... thankyou :)

T - 7

1. interval weights training set working at 80% not 90% - i've pulled back on the intensity as i want to ensure that no injuries occur between now and the event..... last weights session until i probably get back.
2. flexibility - high kicks 3 x 20 reps on each side
3. 1 hour form & technique kickboxing - last class before thailand

kickboxing class - tonight the theme was "southpaw" (my favourite - NOT)

- working intensity at 75%

T -8 'zen'

'zen' means meditation in japanese.

after a week of challenging moments.... there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel!!! maybe not in the sky as we have had a very, very wet week.

with another rest day and the weather permitting.... it is the perfect day for settling the mind, resting the body and centring ones self. i have realised the importance of taking the time out as i know a clear mind is better than a clouded one and being able to give more substance to my clients, friends & family means the a lot to me.

it has taken me a long time to realise that i have to give back to myself to ensure that there is a happy balance, especially with a career where it is people orientated and your energies are of giving nature.

T - 8

1. rest day - getting sorted for thailand & settling the mind with some good tunes

T - 9 "hardcore smurfs!!!"

today i dedicate this entry to the hardcore smurfs that came out and played for the 80's Let's Get Physical!!! workout.

i am very PROUD of you all!!!

• thank you for all making the effort to dress up and there were some AWESOME outfits!!!
• thank you for turning up and making it all happen despite the rain :)
• you are my new 'HARDCORE SMURFS!!!" who roughed & toughed it out in the torrential rain!!!
• kudos to you as you know who you are.
• stay tuned for the pics!!!

T - 9

1. rest day - nut bush city limits dance.... Lol!!!!

T - 10 tree of wisdom

treading carefully with not overtraining and using my wisdom (never thought i would say that) but using my life experience to ensure i do not make the same mistakes i have made previously with overtraining and not thinking about the bigger picture.

this experience have been an educational & beneficial journey in so many areas.... where do i even begin. it is definitely character building and keeps you honest. no lies on this journey as you are only cheating yourself.

T - 10

1. 1 hour interval weight training set - 20 seconds sets training every body part and keeping in mind "think wisely" about what i am doing not to injure myself & acknowledging that i only have a couple of weight sessions left before i leave.

T - 11 rolling with the punches

after recently having a plethora of challenges and hurdles to jump over... it has been a mentally challenging few days and feeling the need to train as an stress outlet.

with no time to even scratch myself... i still made the time to get my training in, as i made it a priority!!! obviously for so many reasons: a) stress outlet b) training for the event c) not having to feel guilty for NOT training d) feeding my mind, body & soul e) earning those delicious endorphin hormones considering chocolate has been off the menu for the last couple of months

i must apologise for having about 20 entries go missing... as in a moment of midnight blogging and having trouble uploading the youtube clips, i accidentally deleted a tonne of entries & was so gutted i had to call it a day. "roll with the punches" they say.... therefore i promise to update those entries that have gone missing :(

T - 11

1. weighted abs workout & core ( advanced planks)
2. ride class with a twist - interval drills on the bike with plyometric leg bodyweight sets in between drills

T - 12 "actions speak louder than words!!!"

the most common question that i have been asked is "are you fighting?"

I hope this clip will help answer your question...

T - 12

1. rest day

T - 13 sub 50

my challenge today was to see how many kicks i could do in 30 seconds....

T - 13

1. 1/2 hour - 20 seconds interval sets focusing on form & technique, all punches, kicks, elbows, breathing, bodyweight positioning, shadow boxing, ducks, slips etc
2. 3 x 30 second rounds to see how many kicks i could do. tried to beat the number every round.
3. 1/2 hour skipping - speed interval sets

Results: how many kicks could i do in 30 seconds?

right leg - 36 left leg - 35

Obviously i was trying to aim for 50.... didn't quite make it :( although it was my first try :)

also ended up with a huge blister on the ball of my right foot. Ouch!!! at least i know i was pivoting & using my bodyweight correctly.

T - 14 school of fish out of water

bouncing out of bed with the excitement of knowing i was up for my big monday of training: interval weight sets and that kickboxing class.... i was pumped!!!

whilst heading into the gym i realised... holy crap! i'm fly out to thailand friday week!!! with that realisation i was on the countdown....

successful and strong training weights session today.... i actually decided the go down in weights and work more reps and high muscle endurance as i want to ensure that i do not injure myself between now and before i leave. also i have to factor in that i should be tapering off my training and have my body conditioned, mentally & physically well rested and give it time to regenerate, ready for the big week of true muay thai kickboxing as i really want to give it my all.

kickboxing class:

• starting off the session with breathing techniques such as matching two short breaths with two short punches for speed vs one big long breath with one big power punch was good information to take on board.
• then being dealt a 17 punch combination totally threw the whole class out hence being a school of fish out of water. the combination was a little crazy and i felt it didn't flow naturally but in saying that i am there to live and learn. i must admit the big boys were struggling as well with plenty of swear words flying around which didn't make me feel like such rookie.
• there were no kicks tonight but i wasn't too concerned as i have a date with the bag tomorrow.
• attitude - to be honest with that 17 punch combination - there was no time for any alpha, ego filled mind games. we were all in the same boat and pretty much spent the whole session on that one combination.... i'll label that combination as "crazy!"
• testing our abilities we worked between speed and power. i found out my forte is speed in a challenging situation such as that combo!
• i felt quite challenged tonight and whilst i was driving home i was still trying to work out the maze of punches, ducks, jabs etc.
• as much as it was challenging, it is a great reality check to know that there is still so much live and learn.... "once you stop learning you die!"

T - 14

1. 1 hour interval weights session
2. 1 hour kickboxing class with no kicking and a "crazy" 17 punch combination

T - 15 "pure awesomeness!!!"

"there is no charge for awesomeness or attractiveness!!!" Po - Kung Fu Panda

having the whole weekend off from training didn't mean i wasn't thinking about training for others. with the "80's Let's Get Physical!!!" event coming up next saturday, i have been out and about all over town grabbing all the right ingredients for a successful recipe for a fun workout and games.

the main reason for this event is to promote that an exercise workout doesn't have to be boring, or a chore but can be good times & a great laugh hence the 80's Let's Get Physical!!! theme. I love a good dress up!!! photos to follow and i am very excited i made a trophy for the best dressed.

Kung Fu Panda has to be one of my most favourite animated films.... it has such a great story line which ties in with a few topics i have talked about before.

a) it's all about the right carrot - Po's carrot towards his training was initially fighting for those dumplings and then learnt there was so much more to his awesomeness than his food.

b) more than just skin deep - after learning that the Dragon Scroll had nothing on it but a reflection and the underlying message was to "believe" in yourself. this heads back into the mind, body and soul theory.

c) proof is in the pudding - Po still managed to stay positive & fight on when they were trying to muscle him out. he came through with the goods in the long run as he believed in himself.... i can relate!!!

ps: if you haven't seen it yet... well worth getting out on dvd. it's a 9/10

T - 15

1. rest day

T - 16 practice what you preach

"walk the walk don't just talk the talk!!!" i have always been a big believer of this saying hence my WORKING holiday. i ensure i train regularly may that be boxing, cycling, weights training, kickboxing, interval cardio sets. i enjoy going to other instructors classes where i am a participant and have the opportunity to feed my knowledge and experience first hand what i am learning. therefore if i practice what i preach, i comfortably know that my clients are in good hands and they are prevented from being injured.

as you know i am passionate about educating people about their health & wellbeing. not only do i love, love, love training, it has been one of the most rewarding careers i have ever had. to be able to energise*motivate*educate a personal training client or a large group, where i have the opportunity of creating an energetic atmosphere, have everyone feeling great about themselves and endorphin high, couldn't be more inspiring!!!

one of the greatest things that i have seen in the past couple of months is people who have been following this blog or have been in the presence of my training have followed suit and taken on board some of the same training routines.

a) few of the boys who love their weights training as do i, testing out the 20 sec interval sets.

b) clients testing out how long they can skip for

c) regulars who come to ride class which have been super tough & joining in on the journey

d) boxing clients who have taken on board the next level of new techniques such as elements of the muay thai kickboxing

well done to you all!!!! :)

T - 16

1. rest day - having slightly fatigued legs and shoulders i was more than happy to have my rest day arrive.

T - 17 more than just skin deep

you may be wondering what people mean when they mention having a "balance" in life. usually this refers to being in a position in your life where your mind, body and spirit are in a state of unity and tranquility. this may sound to some, like a case of metaphysical mumble - jumbo, but the simple fact is that life at its very core is made up equally of these three things and we must keep them in balance or we will have major complications in our lives. the three parts of you must exist in harmony or your life will not be as happy and full as it should be.

learning this the hard way after many years of stressing about the small stuff, over training and not nurturing my soul it has only taken nearly 38years (less than a couple of weeks away) to finally see things through different eyes. not to say that i have perfected a well balanced lifestyle... far from it but am certainly more aware.

for example: initially with this trip, my idea was to work towards a physical goal and compliment the physical with a mind & spirit journey, so there was a yin yang balance. then i caught myself researching rock climbing adventures and tramping around the jungle in chiang mai. what was i thinking? after a week of tough kickboxing training in 31 degree plus heat and 100% humidity my body will be exhausted and ready for a rest. therefore when the flights were not working for me to head up to chiang mai.... i had a reality check and realised i totally lost site of my original plan. so as it stands i am now waiting patiently for confirmation to spend a week in a yoga/meditation resort in the virgin islands in the south of thailand for the last week. yin yang balance....

T - 17

1. 1/2 hour sparring on the bag - form & technique based. practiced all punches & kicks, speed & power
2. 15 minutes - shoulder weights workout & core work - wanting to take a little more care of my shoulders as they have been getting a hammering (lighter weights) & wanted to focus on more advanced plank work
3. 1/2 hour skipping - must admit my shoulders were pretty tired from holding the rope today as they have been feeling very fatigued this week therefore it was challenging getting through half an hour of interval speed work although my cardiovasular was fine.

T - 18 with great power comes responsibility

finally with investing the time & energy into all this training it is starting to pay off.... i am talking about feeling comfortable with my instincts & putting into practice the skills that i have learnt to protect myself.

boys are well known for taking things further than they should and do not mind pushing the boundaries just that little further than they should. i have learnt to communicate and give them a couple of warnings and even say "there will be tears!!" but they never seem to listen.....

in the last 24hours i had two mates, two seperate occasions where they decided that it was going to be funny to test out my skills and try their 'karate" on me. after a couple warnings and the saying "there will be tears!!!" they didn't stop.... therefore protecting my own, they were horrified to find out that the slightest kick & slightest uppercut could have so much force.... Oops!!! i did warn them!!! no tears but a tonne of wingeing.

"with great power comes responsibility!" - spiderman

i will take on board spiderman's wise words and give them three warnings instead of two ;)

T - 18

1. 1/2 hour quality abs and core session using weights. focusing on crunches, obliques, planks, lower abs
2. 1 hour ride class with a twist- bodyweight plyometric leg work (jump lunges, squat jumps, calf raises etc) in between climb & sprint interval sets on the bike.

T - 19 it's all about the right carrot

my carrot: after making the decision to take on the challenge of spending a week in a muay thai kickboxing camp in thailand, i have obviously devoted all my training time towards this event. having always loved boxing i wanted another challenge to compliment my boxing skills, this is where the muay thai kickboxing came into place.

finding the motivation and the energy for general health, fitness and wellbeing can be challenging at times with this busy world we live in. everyone has something that makes them tick, as i say "it's all about the right carrot!!!" if we are talking on a physical level.... it could be as simple as going for a walk, weights training, yoga, gym classes, running, cycling it all works hand in hand with the whole philosophy of mind, body and soul which will then lead you down the pathway of a happier work/life balance as you would have invested time back into yourself rather than devoting all your time to work.

just because my full time job is in the fitness industry and i work as a personal trainer i still have to make time to train myself. therefore i will ensure i book in time for my training around my classes, personal training clients or group sessions, may i be in the gym or out in an oval. therefore find something that you like/love as there is no use taking up something that you hate as it will not last very long....

T - 19

1. rest day - with just over a couple of weeks to go, i have been allocated my rest days as i have a good balance of training and rest. 2 days on and one day off to regenerate.

T - 20 my fluffy white marshmellows

the importance of wrapping up and quality set of gloves

T -21 the cheeky assassin

T - 22 energy in energy out

the simple of equation of energy in energy out meaning the amount of calories you consume vs the amount of energy you expend = the more energy you expend over the calories consumed means you will effectively lose weight. very simple equation. never to be one about the number but more about how I feel and how my clothes sit is a great indication of where my body is at and am I happy. diet has been an important part of the assistance of my training. as I had mentioned it wasn't about losing weight but more about eating the right type of food to help assist me in the function of repairing my muscles and having sufficient energy to cater for the type of training I am doing. I always talk about going back to basics and eating like a cave man - good protein, vegetables and wholesome grains. everything in moderation and 4-5 smaller meals through the day to keep your metabolism going and keeping your energy levels in check.

T - 22
1. rest day - I had decided to be the wise Buddha and take three days rest. Sunday morning sleep in & a morning of chilling out was just what the doctor ordered. lazy afternoon walk with my sis & nephew in the sun was bliss. i'm ready to "Fire Up!!!" come tomorrow.

T - 23 sheer luxury

gym alone

T -24 sweat & tears = pummelled

T - 25 saving it all

waking up once again with a really sore neck and sore shoulders I had made the decision to save all my energy for thursday ride class focussing on my lower body due to my upper body being so tired & sore. normally skipping for 1/2 hour prior to teaching the class I decided not to skip & save it all for ride. my goal was to work at my 90-95% maximum capacity- focus on taking it to the next level!! more intensity, more resistance, more muscle endurance & plyometric leg work and taking the awesome amp team with me on this journey.

T - 26
1. 1 hour ride class - working 90-95% maximum capacity
variety sprints working on cadence work, sprint & heavy hill climbs in between all these sets were various leg exercises eg: jump lunges, calf raises, squat jumps, squat pulses all off the bike.

it has been incredibly rewarding to have the ride class consistant with the regulars who have not only taken on the challenge of moving their own fitness into the next level but to also support and join my journey. well done to you all & thankyou for being great company & keeping the team motivated & alive.

this last week I have really felt that my fitness has moved to the next level despite myself feeling quite sore & fatigued. a few of the crew who have been in the know about myself working towards this trip have mentioned that they have also noticed a difference. thanks once again for all your support :)

T -26

T -28 results

monday is always a great day to do a really big workout. sets you up for a good start to the week. having been consistant with my weights training & my love of boxing for years, I knew by tweeking my training program to make it more specific for the muay thai kickboxing wasn't going to be tough to alter, not to say it wasn't going to be hard work as I knew my body needed a shock to respond to get the results required. 3 weeks of solid specific effective training, a good nutritional diet & sufficient rest was going to be the start of getting my results I desired. therefore the results have been: increased upper & lower body muscle endurance especially shoulders & legs, stronger abs & core, body fat loss, lean muscle mass and feeling comfortable with the positioning of my body where I can now throw my rounds house kicks where they feel powerful & get the most out of my punches especially my hooks as they are my favourite.

T - 28
1. interval weights training working at 90-95% max 20 seconds on x 4 exercises back to back 1minute rest (3 rounds)
2. 1 hour kickboxing class specializing in form & technique

T - 29

T - 30