I started martial arts in third grade and continued for eight years. In that time I became a third degree black belt, I coached, competed, instructed, and performed. Martial arts is not only about the self-defense it is about morals. They used to say that the martial arts group was "family."
In the sixth grade, and freshman had a crush on me. I was confused and a little flattered because at the time I had braces and glasses. The boy started writing me love notes and buying me gifts. I shouldn't have accepted them but I didn't know better. I was naive and so were my parents.
He lived close to me so we carpooled. His mother thought it was cute that he liked me. Him and his mother taught classes and often closed the gym at night. This is when he would touch me and take advantage of me.
I hated myself and him. I was so angry because I was a black belt. I was supposed to be able to defend myself. No one showed me how to defend myself from a fellow male black belt. But I couldn't. All I had to do was kick him where it counted. I always froze up. Sometimes I would make an excuse like I felt sick and he would leave me alone. I realized he was too serious. He said that he needed me and would die without me. It was`nauseating.
I hated going to class because sometimes we would be partner up to fight or wrestle and I would freeze up. It was so dumb how my offender was a part of my daily life and no one knew. I secretly hated martial arts and resented my parents. All my accomplishments meant nothing if I was unable to defend myself.
Thats when I found cheerleading. I wasn't the cheerleader "type." Not outgoing or always smiling or even popular. It was a different type of exercise that many people aren't aware of. I loved being in front of a crowd; that was my rush. I love being captain and leading the team. It renewed my faith in exercise that it can be fun and inspiring.
Yes there was a time that I think all teenage girls go through, were they think that they are fat. I started eating less and exercising three to seven hours a day. I noticed that I looked skinnier but I was actually gaining weight from muscle mass and my only assets, my breasts, were getting smaller. I wasn't excited about that. Thats when I realized that I needed to refocus on my goals. I wanted to be healthy, stronger, have more energy and endurance, have a stronger heart, be more toned, and build bone density. And I discovered the importance of eating every day regardless if I worked out.
The confidence I get from exercise is reward enough and truly the only time it has been real. When there are times when I can't work out I feel guilty and have less energy and enthusiasm for the day. But I try to do yoga for relaxation. My number one daily reminder is that everyone has good days and bad days regardless of their habits or health. I schedule my week in advance and set time to workout. My boyfriend is a great support and sometimes we work out together.
I would suggest setting aside certain amount of time per day to work out, with one to two days of rest a week. Maybe have your max. be two hours a day and then spend time doing other hobbies or being with people you love.
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I started martial arts in third grade and continued for eight years. In that time I became a third degree black belt, I coached, competed, instructed, and performed. Martial arts is not only about the self-defense it is about morals. They used to say that the martial arts group was "family."
April 30, 2008 - 11:09amIn the sixth grade, and freshman had a crush on me. I was confused and a little flattered because at the time I had braces and glasses. The boy started writing me love notes and buying me gifts. I shouldn't have accepted them but I didn't know better. I was naive and so were my parents.
He lived close to me so we carpooled. His mother thought it was cute that he liked me. Him and his mother taught classes and often closed the gym at night. This is when he would touch me and take advantage of me.
I hated myself and him. I was so angry because I was a black belt. I was supposed to be able to defend myself. No one showed me how to defend myself from a fellow male black belt. But I couldn't. All I had to do was kick him where it counted. I always froze up. Sometimes I would make an excuse like I felt sick and he would leave me alone. I realized he was too serious. He said that he needed me and would die without me. It was`nauseating.
I hated going to class because sometimes we would be partner up to fight or wrestle and I would freeze up. It was so dumb how my offender was a part of my daily life and no one knew. I secretly hated martial arts and resented my parents. All my accomplishments meant nothing if I was unable to defend myself.
Thats when I found cheerleading. I wasn't the cheerleader "type." Not outgoing or always smiling or even popular. It was a different type of exercise that many people aren't aware of. I loved being in front of a crowd; that was my rush. I love being captain and leading the team. It renewed my faith in exercise that it can be fun and inspiring.
Yes there was a time that I think all teenage girls go through, were they think that they are fat. I started eating less and exercising three to seven hours a day. I noticed that I looked skinnier but I was actually gaining weight from muscle mass and my only assets, my breasts, were getting smaller. I wasn't excited about that. Thats when I realized that I needed to refocus on my goals. I wanted to be healthy, stronger, have more energy and endurance, have a stronger heart, be more toned, and build bone density. And I discovered the importance of eating every day regardless if I worked out.
The confidence I get from exercise is reward enough and truly the only time it has been real. When there are times when I can't work out I feel guilty and have less energy and enthusiasm for the day. But I try to do yoga for relaxation. My number one daily reminder is that everyone has good days and bad days regardless of their habits or health. I schedule my week in advance and set time to workout. My boyfriend is a great support and sometimes we work out together.
I would suggest setting aside certain amount of time per day to work out, with one to two days of rest a week. Maybe have your max. be two hours a day and then spend time doing other hobbies or being with people you love.
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