Emma Thomas's story isn't just about weight loss; it's a narrative woven with threads of Muay Thai training, mental fortitude, and the joy of embracing the process. It's a story of pushing limits, confronting weaknesses, and finding strength in unexpected places.
The Muay Thai Connection: A Measuring Stick of Progress
Emma's journey is deeply intertwined with Muay Thai. Her training experiences, particularly her sparring sessions, serve as a "temperature-gauge" of her progress. The candid back-and-forth with training partners, like the author, highlights the importance of honest assessment and mutual support in the challenging world of combat sports.
Their training sessions together became a valuable tool for gauging progress and identifying areas for improvement. Despite the frustrations of exposed deficiencies, Emma approached these sessions with a sense of joy and playfulness, a testament to her evolving mindset. This ability to find enjoyment in the process, even when facing challenges, marked a significant shift in her approach to training.
The Frustrations of Training and the Power of Perspective
Like many fighters, Emma has faced frustrations in her training, especially when long-term training partners leave, and gym focus becomes inconsistent. These experiences, while challenging, have fostered a deeper understanding of the difference between disorganization and malicious intent, and between a punch received due to a mistake and a punch that's simply part of the game.
Emma's ability to navigate these challenges reflects a growing capacity to avoid internalizing negativity. She's learning to differentiate between aspects within and outside her control, a crucial skill for any athlete.
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From Muay Thai to Rowing: A New Chapter
While Muay Thai remains a significant part of Emma's life, her story also includes a foray into the world of indoor rowing. This transition highlights the adaptability and open-mindedness that have contributed to her overall well-being.
Discovering the Power of Rowing
Emma's journey took an unexpected turn when she began working at a Row House studio. Initially hired for sales, she was encouraged to become an instructor and discovered a passion for indoor rowing. This low-impact exercise proved beneficial, particularly for her knee, allowing her to teach multiple classes a week without aggravation.
The Mental Shift: Embracing Power
Beyond the physical benefits, Emma experienced a significant mental shift through rowing. The accepting environment of the boutique fitness facility challenged her previous notions of what fitness instructors should look like. This realization allowed her to embrace her own power and potential, regardless of societal expectations. "Mentally, a lot of things shifted for me and I realized that I can be very powerful.”
Rowing for Weight Loss and Overall Health
Rowing, combined with a commitment to 30 minutes of daily exercise, has played a role in Emma's weight loss journey. Rowing helped her keep off the weight she’d previously lost, as well as lose another 10 pounds.
Why Rowing Works
Medical experts like Kate Fahy, MD, emphasize that indoor rowing provides a full-body workout, engaging the core, arms, and legs while improving endurance and heart health. The low-impact nature of rowing makes it accessible to individuals of varying fitness levels, including those with arthritis or other pain-related conditions. Rowing offers both aerobic and strength benefits in a low-impact format, making it accessible to a wide variety of people at different fitness levels.
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The combination of cardio and strength training in rowing can be an effective tool for weight loss. Cardio helps burn calories, while increased muscle mass boosts metabolism.
Considerations Before Starting Rowing
It's important to note that rowing may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with chronic hand or wrist pain, joint pain, back pain, or a history of back surgery or joint replacement should consult with a medical provider before starting a rowing program.
Maintaining Balance: Exercise, Diet, and Mindset
Emma's approach to health and fitness extends beyond structured workouts. She prioritizes a balanced lifestyle that includes Pilates, walks, and hikes with her family. While she focuses on eating healthy foods, she also allows herself to enjoy her favorite meals, recognizing the importance of avoiding overly restrictive diets. "Ultimately, I'm not too strict with myself because I've learned that it's pretty unhealthy if you're always so strict,” she says.
A Role Model for Her Daughters
As a mother of two daughters, Emma aims to instill in them a positive view of exercise, emphasizing its benefits for well-being rather than viewing it as a form of punishment. Roose has two daughters, and she wants them to grow up viewing exercise as something good, not as a punishment.
Lessons Learned: Embracing Imperfection and Taking Action
Emma's journey, like any worthwhile endeavor, is marked by both successes and setbacks. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and taking action, even before feeling fully prepared. As she once said "So this is your sign to do The Thing. Do it messy, do it scrappy, do it before you feel ready."
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