Ladies only Muay Thai classes

Khannie

Hi. Been a while since I've reared my head around here. I got permission from the mods to post this. I'm genuinely not trying to advertise (I'm not going to be making any money from this), I just used to get a lot of PM's about Muay Thai when I posted in here and thought quite a few of you would be interested.

The one thing I got most feedback about from ladies was that the classes were predominantly male so there is now a ladies only class starting on Mondays from 6-7 in Bridgestone Muay Thai (near smithfield). The classes will be taught by Kelly Simon, one of our professional fighters.

The details:

Mondays from 6-7, starting today (17th of May).
Ladies only, taught by a female pro fighter.
At Bridgestone Muay thai. You can find a map here.
Classes are 7 euro.
There's a word doc with some more information (including Kelly's phone number if you'd prefer to talk to her) [url=https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/309262/113725.doc[/url].

Any questions, fire away.

g'em

Brilliant, I'll hopefully be up there myself this evening

Edit: I should also add that if anyone is looking for a seriously effective way to lose weight, get sweaty and have a lot of fun this is a great way to do it. Muay Thai is often considered the toughest of all the martial arts, and the buzz you get from all the kicking and punching and pushing yourself is just fantastic.

Khannie

g'em wrote: »

Brilliant, I'll hopefully be up there myself this evening

Coolio! See you there! (I joke. I joke.)

g'em wrote: »

Edit: I should also add that if anyone is looking for a seriously effective way to lose weight, get sweaty and have a lot of fun this is a great way to do it. Muay Thai is often considered the toughest of all the martial arts, and the buzz you get from all the kicking and punching and pushing yourself is just fantastic.

Yeah, a big +1 on this. I've lost (and kept off) nearly 2 stone since starting in Bridgestone. Not a big fan of going to gyms myself but I love hitting pads.

jellie

Would you need a high level of fitness for a beginner class? I know personally I couldnt keep up with the likes of g'em

Muffin top

Probably a stupid question but is this a contact sport or is it just pad and bag work?
I like the idea of boxercise and self defence; not actual confrontation?

Rozabeez

I'd love to try this, but I don't think I'm fit/fast enough for it just yet, and it's a bit too far away for me!

Khannie

jellie wrote: »

Would you need a high level of fitness for a beginner class?

Great question. It's a common perception that you need to be fit starting out but the answer is definitely not. You'll build up your fitness in the class.

Muffin top wrote: »

Probably a stupid question but is this a contact sport or is it just pad and bag work?
I like the idea of boxercise and self defence; not actual confrontation?

Another good one. While Muay Thai is a ring sport and Bridgestone is a fighting gym (i.e. it produces professional fighters), you wont be hitting / getting hit in the beginners class and you're free to stay at that level indefinitely if you're just interested in fitness and / or weight loss. Nobody's going to force you to get hit like.

Muffin top

Rozabeez wrote: »

I'd love to try this, but I don't think I'm fit/fast enough for it just yet, and it's a bit too far away for me!

Oh come along! we can be slow and unfit together! You don't feel as bad if you're not the only one....well I don't anyway

Rozabeez

I can't actually start it tonight as I'm on far too many painkillers and would just fall over

But if I'm feeling up to it the next couple of weeks I might just pop along.

Maguined

I'm not a woman but I just wanted to contribute by saying to anyone that is even marginally interested in this but too afraid/nervous because of their current weight/fitness that you should definitely do it!

I have been unfit the vast majority of my life to the point that i was actually obese and put off doing a martial art for years because i felt i was not fit enough and needed to get fit before i started it which was such nonsense as actually doing the sport/martial art is what will make you fit.

I lost 9-10 stone in one year of doing a martial art and eating better and while the first few weeks were all nerves once you get past your own self doubts you will just enjoy it and actually look forward to it unlike a normal gym for me anyway.

I really wish i had of started the 6 or so years ago when I first started thinking about it instead of putting it off so definitely recommend just jumping into it and ignore any doubts.

Muffin top

Tis only an hour; it can't kill me.............or can it?
.............no, it can't.

Silverfish

Muffin top wrote: »

Tis only an hour; it can't kill me.............or can it?
.............no, it can't.

It's actually so much fun you don't realise you're excercising.

Hermione*

jellie wrote: »

Would you need a high level of fitness for a beginner class? I know personally I couldnt keep up with the likes of g'em

Muffin top wrote: »

Probably a stupid question but is this a contact sport or is it just pad and bag work?
I like the idea of boxercise and self defence; not actual confrontation?

These were my questions! Thanks for the responses, Khannie.

I want to lose weight (about ten pounds) but more than that, I'd really like to lose some body fat and tone up so this sounds like it'd be worth trying! My Mondays are booked for the next few weeks but maybe next month

Khannie

Hermione* wrote: »

These were my questions! Thanks for the responses, Khannie.

Most welcome.

Hermione* wrote: »

I want to lose weight (about ten pounds) but more than that, I'd really like to lose some body fat and tone up so this sounds like it'd be worth trying!

Yeah, I'd say Muay Thai would be perfect for you then. As I say...."it lends itself to leanness". The type of exercise, the fact that it's fun so you come back, the friendships you build up, the self defence benefits. They're all reasons I just kept coming back. I'm totally addicted now.

If anyone does head along, let us know how you got on if you please. I was just talking with Kelly there. Sounds like she's put in a lot of effort prepping the class (even down to choice of music!!).

Nevyn

Is it something you have to go to everyweek?
I'd be intrested but could only make alternate weeks.

Khannie

Thaedydal wrote: »

Is it something you have to go to everyweek?
I'd be intrested but could only make alternate weeks.

You don't have to attend every week. You might find progress slow enough if you're doing it alternate weeks though. I'd say see how you get on and take it from there. I may be talking rubbish but I *think* the plan is to consider more ladies only classes if there's enough demand.

g'em

Girls I can't recommend this class highly enough, I'm still riding my endorphin buzz

Kelly was brilliant, so welcoming and you can't help but be inspired by her own and the other Kelly's fitness levels!! I won't lie, this class is *tough*, but it's the kind of conditioning workout that really makes visible differences in a short time - I know it'll only take a few weeks before I'll see a difference in my fitness and my weight, and I like those kinds of quick results

It's as much a condiioning class as a Muay Thai class, and Kelly goes through the basics from scratch - but the great thing is, because you're working your ass off you couldn't give a flying fart what anyone else is doing!!

Thaed if the classes continue the way tonights was you could come along every other week no bother

Really and truly, it was so much fun, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fun way to get fit, lose weight and learn some fantastic skills. I can't wait until next week

Daisies

I wish I could go but I work in Dun Laoghaire until 6 but if there is another class later in the evening I'll def go

Kya1976

I would have loved to go along to the classes, but unfortunately its a bit too far away from where i live:(:(:(

rebel girl 15

Kya1976 wrote: »

I would have loved to go along to the classes, but unfortunately its a bit too far away from where i live:(:(:(

Same as myself, sounds like a great activity!

i-digress

Thinking of popping along to this tonight, but what do you need to wear? sorry if that sounds like a stupid question :rolleyes:

g'em

Do come down! It'll be great fun - sweaty, but great

Not a silly question at all, just wear something light and comfortable - similar to what you'd wear doing aerobics or a spinning class. Shorts or jogging pants and a t-shirt are usually a good bet, and the class is done barefoot so no need to worry about runners

Gauge

Way too far away for me Would love to give it a try sometime though, sounds really good!

banshee_bones

Question! How does this work with those of us with criminally weak upper body stength!?!! Do you build up to a level or are you all thrown in at the deep end? What do they start you off doing?

g'em

You just do it to the best of your ability I have pants upper body strength too but you just do the bset you can - the focus is more on the conditioning side of things, and the strength and technique will come in time.

i-digress

banshee_bones wrote: »

Question! How does this work with those of us with criminally weak upper body stength!?!! Do you build up to a level or are you all thrown in at the deep end? What do they start you off doing?

I will easily be the worst there, I have weight to lose and my fitness has suffered awfully due to a long term illness. So as bad as your upper body strength is, mine will definitely be worse!

banshee_bones

i-digress wrote: »

I will easily be the worst there, I have weight to lose and my fitness has suffered awfully due to a long term illness. So as bad as your upper body strength is, mine will definitely be worse!

scene: bones holding up the pads, someone takes a kick and bones gets sent flying across the room!

Whispered

I'd love to do this! I was having a bit of a panic over the last few days. I'm trying to loose a bit of weight for my wedding and walking just doesn't seem to be doing anything. I hate the gym too. Muay Thai sounds like a nice cross between a workout and fun!

I'm a total beginner to any type of exercise, I'm not fit, I'm not flexible, I'm not strong. Would I get on ok?

How many people are in the class usually?

g'em

You'll get fit, get flexible and get strong

One class a week wouldn't be enough to make massive, huge, noticeable differences on it's own but it would be a great start there were only a handful of us last week, but honestly no-one is paying any attention to anyone else in the middle of the workouts, you're concentrating too hard on what you're doing yourself!!

Larianne

This is brilliant! Thanks Khannie. I'll definitely come along to this either next week or the week after.

g'em

g'em wrote: »

there were only a handful of us last week..

The class more than doubled in size last night

Epic fun once again, although my conditioning is just pants, some of the other girls were running rings (literally) around me :pac: So much fun though - I was talking to two of the girls who've also done the regular classes in the club and we all agreed that this class is much tougher conditioning wise than the classes with the boys, but there's also brilliant scope to keep it at your own pace.

In short, you will become awesome from this class

Hermione*

I tried the class night and I really enjoyed it! Yes, it's tough and my co-ordination isn't super so picking up the technique wasn't easy for me. I imagine that'll come in time though. Kelly is so much fun! The class covers a little of everything so even when it's tough, it's only for a few minutes and then you move on to something else. I'm actually disappointed to have to miss the next few weeks. I'll definitely be going back!
Thanks Khannie and g'em: I don't think I'd ever have tried it if I hadn't read you enthusiastic endorsements!

Larianne wrote: »

This is brilliant! Thanks Khannie. I'll definitely come along to this either next week or the week after.

Do! It's so much fun

shivvyban

I've said to Khannie numerous times that I'll be there and I never made it. My ankle still isn't up to scratch after my last stint on crutches but I do want to go (when I can). SO many people have told me how much it helps your fitness levels and how it helps you to lose weight and I need that now. I quit smoking (two weeks today!!!) and have started feeling better... well apart from my constant need to eat everything in sight but I don't want the weight to pile on (if it does, I know I'll be right back on the smokes!). I've been playing basketball twice/three times a week and going to aqua aerobics once a week (started three weeks ago but I think I might need something more strenuous)...

So in a long winded way what I'm trying to say is, I'd love to go, in fact I NEED to go but with will it be bad for my dodgy ankle (which has been dodgy since my first bad sprain when I was 16)... I'm just paranoid that I'll make it worse...

*takes deep breath* sorry about the long windedness of that!

Khannie

g'em wrote: »

The class more than doubled in size last night

So I heard. That's cool! 10 or so on Monday.

Hermione* wrote: »

Thanks Khannie and g'em: I don't think I'd ever have tried it if I hadn't read you enthusiastic endorsements!

Oh hey...no problem at all! Really glad you enjoyed yourself. Thanks for getting out there and trying it out. I think that's really cool.

shivvyban wrote: »

So in a long winded way what I'm trying to say is, I'd love to go, in fact I NEED to go but with will it be bad for my dodgy ankle (which has been dodgy since my first bad sprain when I was 16)... I'm just paranoid that I'll make it worse...

I can't say...sorry. I'd say if you're able for lots of basketball you'll probably be fine. It's not particularly ankle intensive or whatever (probably less so than basketball). If you try it out and find it's hurting then just stop and don't go back. I can't be any more use than that though.

On the food / fags thing: What helped me when I quit was being told that I was trying to feed a hunger that food couldn't satisfy. Made total sense and I ate less. I still put on some weight but not a huge amount (and it's long gone). Congrats on the 2 weeks. Keep it up!

Dinkie

Can I go to this next week? Or will everyone be too advance for me??

I'm also kinda heavy (size 16)... am I too big for this class? I am having serious issues trying to find motivation too lose weight (I was thin once - but medication meant I put on weight).

Khannie

You can go next week for sure. People definitely wont be too advanced for you. Size is not an issue. I've lost a *lot* of weight since starting in bridgestone. Good luck. Would be really interested to hear back in a while if you're seeing results.

Piste

Oooh this looks perfect for me! I've been looking for a sport that sort of tricks you into getting fit...ie you're doing it cos it's fun so you don't notice how crap exercise is (if you hate exercise, which I do!). I'll be cycling home from work through town around that time each evening so It'd be dead handy for me to pop in. Do you think I'd be able to start on the 15th of June, or would that be far too late if 4 lessons would have been done by then? I'll probably be all hot and sweaty from my horrendous cycle from Beaumont at that stage, so at least I'll be warmed up!

Khannie

Ah yeah, 4 sessions in is no problem at all. There will be people joining on an ongoing basis.

Loopie

Convinced lady here - I'll be seeing you all on Monday!!!:)

squeakyduck

:O An all ladies class? WOW!

I went to this place last year and it was supposed to be a beginners class but all these muscular guys and girls were throwing death punches all over the gaff. I felt so out of place! I felt so tired afterwards, but so proud of my self. Like Rocky after a really good fight....And guess what! I never went back again! I'm so unbelievably lazy!

I'd love to do this again. I'll have to see how my roster in work turns out. :O

shivvyban

I can't go tonight or next week (mini marathon - which I will be walking!! ) but will be there on the 14th am thinking of dropping aqua aerobics for this (after I try it out!!) - I think it might be better for my whole mindset when it comes to fitness. I always feel like if I'm not sweating then it ain't working!

Muffin top

Ha I was going to give aqua aerobics a go myself; supposed to be place more pressure/ resisstance on muscles but you don't feel it or something (i'm open to correction!)

Can't make it tonight; I really enjoyed it the last week though. No one class could make a substancial difference to fitness I don't think, but, it is a great compliment to cardio or other exercise. Well worth taking up.

shivvyban

Muffin top wrote: »

Ha I was going to give aqua aerobics a go myself; supposed to be place more pressure/ resisstance on muscles but you don't feel it or something (i'm open to correction!)

Can't make it tonight; I really enjoyed it the last week though. No one class could make a substancial difference to fitness I don't think, but, it is a great compliment to cardio or other exercise. Well worth taking up.

I can't wait to go!!

Left aqua aerobics early tonight and got my money back.. the poor sod running it had no idea what he was doing... so I cannot wait to start Muay Thai and really get a work out!!

smilerxxx

Is there any chance of this coming to Limerick?
Sounds fantastic and i'm desperately searching for an exercise that i'll enjoy and keep. Info online is scarce when looking for location specific things

Dinkie

I missed it last night I am field based, and wasn't able to finish work and get back to Dublin in time.

I'm on hols for the next couple of weeks, but will def go when I get back if I still can.

Aoibheann

Out of curiosity, are these classes going to be a permanent/long-term thing, or is it just a set of classes for a set period of time? I'm asking because I only live in Dublin during term-time so it'll be September before I'm up for an extended period again, and I'd love to go to these classes. I have a bit of experience in a martial art which does take some inspiration from Muay Thai, so I'd hope I'd be able to catch up eventually!

If they're not going on for a long time though, I'll probably just join the regular class anyway, as I've been hoping to take up Muay Thai for quite a while now!

elleburp

I'm in!

See ye there next Monday

Khannie

Just in case people are wondering; Kelly is doing the class this coming (bank holiday) Monday.

Aoibheann wrote: »

Out of curiosity, are these classes going to be a permanent/long-term thing, or is it just a set of classes for a set period of time?

Yep, they're a permanent thing.

smilerxxx wrote: »

Is there any chance of this coming to Limerick?

There is a muay thai club in Limerick, but I don't know too much about it to be honest. Robert Ng is the guy's name who runs it if. Did a bit of googling.... Here's some more information. edit: and here's his bebo page.

kalie

Brilliant, i always wanted to try Muay Thai but because of a long term illness i never got round to it. I think i'll give it a shot anyway.

shivvyban

Anyone else going to this today??? I'm very nervous!!

g'em

I won't be able to go this evening because I'm down the country, but honestly don't be worrying, the girls are so lovely, they'll mak you feel so at home