Takewondo is the perfect choice for adult fitness. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been working out for years, or if you’re looking to get back into a regular fitness regime – Taekwondo will help you improve your physical and mental health.
Getting started
Starting something new can feel incredibly daunting. Walking into a do-jang (that’s the room you will be training in) for the first time might even feel overwhelming – especially if you’re surrounded by a group of enthusiastic children who have been training for a little while!
Those feelings of self-consciousness are conditioned. We’re taught to ‘fit in’ as children, and by the time we’re adults it’s easy to get caught up in embarrassment. This often leads to fear of trying something new or challenging because of this conditioning.
But we know as adults that life is too short to live small. Remember, everyone gets nervous. You might be the biggest or the oldest student in the room, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of your fitness goals and training aspirations.
Taekwondo is about individual empowerment – training will help you to feel more confident in your own body and capabilities. Everyone in the class, from your fellow students to the instructors, is here to support you and guide you on your training path.
In the do-jang
No matter if you’re already fit or just getting back in shape, you’re likely going to encounter some fairly typical things when you begin training: clumsiness, lack of coordination and a few stumbles.
But this is great! These are the things that your training will help you improve upon. It’s important to not beat yourself up about any setbacks or challenges you face. Taekwondo will help you to focus your physical and mental abilities in ways that will help you to stand strong in the face of challenges, and pass through them with grace and strength.
You will come to learn over the course of your practice that everyone has a unique blend of skills and abilities. Some students are fast, some are flexible, and some even have great stamina. Taekwondo will help you to uncover your own skills and abilities, and teach you how to use these to your advantage.
Things to remember
Whether you’re 20, 40 or 60, it’s important to look after your body so you can get the most out of your training regime and Taekwondo practice. Rest is just as important as physical activity, so make sure you warm-up and cool-down properly before any physical activity. This will help you prevent injury, and ensure your training sessions are as effective as possible. It takes longer for adults to recover from injury as they get older, so make sure you’re taking good care of yourself.
Taekwondo is about you – you’re only in competition with yourself. Focus on your own improvements, avoid comparing yourself to others, and you’ll progress well through your training. If you’ve got specific goals and targets in mind, tell your instructor what they are so they can help assist you in achieving these.
That being said, remember you are not alone in your class! Your fellow students are there to help guide and support you along the way. Taekwondo training is a great way to make new friends who have similar interests to you. The UMA community is a kind, passionate and great group of people to be around, and you’ll find a welcome spot for you on the mats when you arrive.