Today was a big deal.

It was the first time I’ve stepped foot back into Factory X Muay Thai since getting pregnant with Penelope. For those of you who don’t know, Muay Thai is a form of kickboxing. It’s actually the striking style many UFC fighters prefer. Factory X started out small (that’s when I started) but in recent years it has really made a name for itself. Most of the fighters at Factory X are actually trying to get into the UFC, if they haven’t already.

Me? That’s not why I like going. I just like the way it makes me feel, it’s kind of like having an alter ego. I mean, how many stay at home moms do you know spar with professional fighters? They basically, let me throw lame punches at them while they stealthily dodge it and thunk me in the forehead every once in a while. But that doesn’t take away from how tough I am!

This is something I’ve been wanting to do since I got pregnant and had to quit… and something I’ve avoided (even though I was dying to do it) because I was scared. I kept telling myself that I needed to get into better shape before going. That’s stupid, going is how you get into shape in the first place. Only recently did I realize that I just needed to put on my big girl panties and go.

I was so nervous about my first class back that I kept having to pee before it started. This was really inconvenient because you have to wrap your hands before you put your gloves on. I wasn’t nervous for long, because once class started I felt like I was home again. Marc and Jarah Montoya, are friends of the family and the atmosphere they create is so welcoming. The fighters welcomed me back and teased me for being gone for so long but all in all they were super supportive. Not once did I feel judged.

I’m not going to lie, it was HARD.  Marc had us doing circuits which means the class is meant to kick your bootay. It was obvious that I was out of shape because my brain would tell my body to move but my muscles just wouldn’t move fast enough. Despite that fact I felt great.

This is what I felt like…

This is what I looked like…

Pshh… same thing.

I’m really glad I wore that neon yellow because it’s so slimming. Let’s add some tight pants to the mix and everyone will be jealous.

Can you tell by my self deprecating humor how uncomfortable I am with how I look in those pictures? Good, so long as we’re clear.

It sucks feeling that way but harping on it or worrying about what everyone thinks of you when you walk into a gym isn’t going to help the situation. Think about it, how many times have you looked at an over weight person in a gym and thought. “Eew, what are they doing here?” Never, hopefully, and if that’s not the case you can kindly leave my blog because once I’m flexible enough I’d be tempted to kick you in the head.

The reality is that rarely ever happens. To be honest I don’t look at people and search for flaws, my main concern is that I look good. I think this is how the majority of the population feels as well. If not, then they’ve got some issues they might want to sort out.

In other words, it’s their problem not yours. So if someone is an asshole to you at the gym feel sorry for them and carry on with your bad self.