Have Fun Fighting Back

With the recent crime wave creeping over Athens, some people, namely women, are finding campus to be more unnerving than normal. With women getting grabbed in the dark of the night and ice cream shops being burgled by the armed and dangerous, it’s no wonder some people are choosing to stay indoors on late nights than brave the streets alone. There is, however, a workshop on campus to help build confidence and body strength and relieve stress all while having fun at the same time, and it is called Fight Back Fitness. There is no better time than now to take advantage of such a program.

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There are five classes left in the quarter for FBF, held every Monday from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. until November 9, where participants will use kickboxing techniques to improve muscle strength and memory while also building confidence and honing focus on targets. Held at the Charles J. Ping Recreation Center, both members and non-members can participate to learn the motivating and, potentially, life-saving techniques, including “encourage comfort in a face-to-face confrontation.” The class does cost money, however, so contact the fitness office to inquire about changing rates.

Kickboxing, like that offered in the work shop, if beneficial both physically and mentally. First, it raises heart-rate and endurance in cardiac activity, obviously benefiting your heart and muscles. It is also a great work out for fat burning as well as training core muscle groups.

Fight Back Fitness will also benefit your mood. Workouts such as kickboxing allow nerves to “loosen” and the stress-reducing exercise begins to work its magic. It will help you relieve muscle tension, release endorphins (the hormone in our brain that gives the feeling of happiness) and build your focus, confidence, vigor and agility. These will all combine to both help elevate your mood and help you feel prepared if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Everyone hopes that the recent criminal activity will begin to subside, but until then, we must all be vigilant for precarious situations. Police are advising that those on the streets late at night travel with another person, stay on sidewalks and walk only in well-lit areas. It wouldn’t hurt to develop your ass-whooping skills either.