A month ago, I decided I needed to get my confidence back and joined Spyda Muay Thai on a trial membership. I'm not going to lie and say that it's been easy. My journey the past 9.5 months has definitely been difficult. I wasn't supposed to live, but I defied the odds and survived sudden cardiac arrest on June 25th (only 8% do), had an S-ICD implanted in my side on July 1st, had open heart mitral valve surgery on September 15th, a blood clot/TIA/mini stroke on September 22nd, and a cardioversion on November 11th. Throughout, I was as active as my recovery would allow, which isn't saying much. In January, I started working out like I did pre everything, trying hard to get back to my pre-everything fitness level.
When I heard they had opened a Muay Thai gym in Garwood, I went to check out a session and ended up participating. I have absolutely no training in Muay Thai, but rather traditional boxing so I was definitely intimidated. What I learned is that the people in this gym are awesome humans who really care about everyone's success, no matter what that looks like individually.
I decided to do this because boxing always gave me such confidence and concentration and I knew I needed both again. After having my world flipped over, things haven't been great. It's been a long road that seems never ending but this is helping. It's really hard for me. But I am doing it and I am really proud of myself.
The first class, I was hit with the realization that my brain is not the same as it was pre SCA. Truth is, I knew this, but I tried so hard to pretend it wasn't my reality. I have trouble remembering what I knew so well and am forced to relearn everything each session, sometimes multiple times during the hour as my brain loves to reset itself. We're talking true basics like how to jumprope (I fight with the rope each session as my brain doesn't talk to my wrists doesn't talk to my feet), stances, the difference between a jab, cross and hook (for whatever reason, I remember the uppercut)-- never mind remembering combinations that were just called and thoroughly explained a couple of minutes prior. It's actually been easier for me to learn the kicks because I don't get frustrated with them but rather try to understand the why of each one.
I'd highly recommend Spyda Muay Thai to anyone, no matter what your fitness level or experience. "Spyda" is a tremendous teacher and such an amazing person. Everyone is absolutely incredible at this gym. Please don't think you can't. I am living proof that you can do it and there will be a bunch of people there who will cheer you on and motivate you to keep going. Believe me, I know that it can be completely intimidating, but once you step foot into the gym, those fears will disappear. read more