First I had a problem with my back. I don't know till this day what was it. It's enough said that I wasn't able to walk "normally", couldn't sleep because of the pain... I used to be VERY active (4-5 karate classes a week, and that's a huge workout, you can take my word for it) and wasn't able to even get to the second floor on the stairs. I was an emotional wreck and also a zero from the hero I used to be

Had to do some physiotherapy (it was good and I was enjoying the small workout it gave me) .. then I started working at the radio station I currently work and I have a show till 20 PM and that's the hour my karate classes start.

Due to the back problems and the job (plus the many forums I run) I wasn't able to train for more than 1 year.

Now I have a coleague who started karate with me and she rushes me to the classes .. it's nice getting back ..

Gosh that's great! It must be so 'odd' using those skills that you had once again

Well, it's all coming back so to say ... I have a problem with stamina .. got tired in 2 minutes and had difficulties breathing through the warm up .. But at this 3rd class I am already better.

I got a blister on a toe (because of being barefoot and moving too much on the tips of the toes) .. but it's ok (am used to this too, I need to have my thick skin again ) ...

I didn't do that well on the techniques (don't have the "snap" I need and I cannot kick head level as I used to .. Won't push too much otherwise I can have some muscle sprains and they hurt a lot) .. the conditioning was OK (almost died with the situps and ab exercises ) ...

Little by little I'll become the mean killing machine I was .. well kidding, but I was able to train 3 hours non-stop and then ask for more. Now my back muscles hurt, my abs too (can't eat now although I'm hungry since i'm so tense I'd throw up), my legs are a bit "relaxed" that means a serious pain tomorrow .. but .. masochist as I am: pain is good. It means I worked out ...

I bought an exercise bike two summers ago which at first I used every day. Then winter came and it was a bit too cold to go out in to the garage and use the bike, (my excuse anyway), then summer came and it was too hot.....

Seriously though, winter`s coming up fast again but this time I`m determined to get out there and do a few k`s every day.

I do TKD, so I get the majority of my exercise in class three times a week. However, I also enjoy Palates and Tae Bo here at home, especially if I miss a class. Each are great supplements or even replacements.