Me the ninja

So I pretty much hate all exercise but know I gotta do something. Just can't seem to maintain an interest in most things for long and get bored. But I signed up for a martial arts class in Aikibojitsu- a form of aikido using a staff. Have a good friend who is a master of this and several other martial arts who has recently written a book and  another friend and I dared each other to sign up. Had our first class and boy its really interesting. Has a lot of sort of zen philosophy and  physics  with it and a lot of thought and mental element to it which for me keeps it from being boring. Anyway, we are learning how to take someone out with a plain old broom handle and I expect to gain some flexibility, balance and confidence. Its fun.  Had no idea there was such a martial art that didn't involve flipping people with my bare hands or breaking bricks which is of no interest to me with my  gimpy artist hands. I am sure I will never actually hit anyone with my broomstick .  The web site is www.aikibojitsu.com  if anyone is interested. So now i will go out in the back yard and waive my stick around and feel like a lethal weapon. fun.  diane

That sounds like my kind of exercise.  I love the whole zen angle and I already have a broom.  :)  I am glad you found something that you like.  I am thinking I might get over my shyness and learn to dance.  I am really scared to go because I still think I will be the most uncoordinated person in the room.  Might just have to take that chance.

well you really ought to learn to dance. why not? try it with a dvd if you aren't sure about a lesson. but really, everyone else will be uncoordinated and i bet they won't be as skinny as you!   So I am reading this book about this martial art thing and its kind of deep but very interesting because of the philosopy of life that goes with it - our instructor says you can only put so much energy into force and defense and the additional energy should go into compassion. what a good idea. its also not about attacking an opponant but observing a threatening person and discovering their weakness and taking advantage. I like stealth and planning. and we have a small class of klutzes and patient instructor. do take a look at that web site just to see the demo clip. its interesting. diane

If you show up at a dance studio, all the guys will be sniffing around you to be their partner. You totally have that ballroom dance look!

Love it!  You go D! 
I know how great it feels for me to be able to do Pilates again, finding an activity that you actually enjoy is such a good feeling!

Hey Jennifer, welcome to the maintenance board. Look how great you are doing! goal is just around the corner. you are wise to start considering maintenance issues now. and  enjoy pilates. its just so great to be able to do any kind of moving around!  hope you get some crab this season. looks like its gonna be a good one. diane

Elina, if you decide to go dancing, please call me! I am about ready to go back into ballroom dancing after a 10 year absence.

I don't have your number but I would love to go dancing!  I can go almost any Friday or Saturday night.   If you are going to go, call me and drag me out.  I am a little scared, but with your support I will do it.  Just promise not to laugh at me too hard.  :)

Let's go to the Starlight on Friday for their dance lesson and dance party!

good for you for working at finding something you will hopefully enjoy. I need an activity, too, the only dance lessons I have found locally are square dance (tried a few but the crowd is pretty old and frankly rested as much as danced) but I would love to learn ballroom dancing or horseback ride.

exercise, we hate it but we need it!