Fitness Level to begin Krav Maga

[outrider]

I am interested in learning Krav Maga. I'm 49 and am about 50 lbs overweight. My goal is to start a fitness routine as well...but my question is...is there a fitness level to begin the Krav Maga instruction?

[kpalena]

Start Krav. Yes it will be tough, but you will get in shape quickly. One thing isi for sure, waiting will not get you in shape.

[usnavy_233]

I've seen all shapes and sizes start Krav in the almost year that I've been doing it. It really doesn't matter what your fitness level is. It WILL benefit you as long as you go regularly.

[vwr32]

Originally Posted by \"outrider\"

I am interested in learning Krav Maga. I'm 49 and am about 50 lbs overweight. My goal is to start a fitness routine as well...but my question is...is there a fitness level to begin the Krav Maga instruction?

I cannot begin to highlight the necessity of medical advice for an answer to such a question. There are so many factors which could affect anyone's response which simply aren't addressed in your description: family history for heart attack, smoking, level of current physical activity, high blood pressure etc etc etc.

I'm 38, smoked for 25 years before quitting last Janurary and started working out including running in small races (5k's). I did that for a few months before my first krav maga class and it still flat out whipped me. I couldn't even complete the \"warm up\" exercises. Five months later I'm doing much better, but it all started with a physical and a doctor's approval for me to start doing cardio work. I lost my dad to a heart attack, so the family history provided a reason for concern before \"jumping\" into anything too extreme.

Having said that, I'll agree with usnavy_233's statement about all shapes and sizes being in the class. I have to add all ages too. A few weeks ago, the instructor asked me to partner up with this man named Herb. I hadn't seen him before, and figured he was new. It didn't take long before I was asking how long he had been taking Krav. His strikes and knees were solid and he kept pace with the class... as good if not better than most of the people I'd trained with. Apparenly, he was just attending a class while traveling. He normally attends a krav class in Chicago where his son is an instrtuctor. Toward the end of the class, he told me he had just recently celebrated his 70th birthday.

Outrider, you have 21 years to catch up to Herb. What you do with that time is up to you, but the key to success in ANY fitness program is consistancy as the others have said. For me, Krav Maga makes fitness fun and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a doctor's go-ahead to persue strenuous cardio workouts. Do it... but do it smartly.

[outrider]

VWR - Thank you very much for your thoughtful, helpful, and well written response. No history of heart problems in my family, but a sad history of greasy fast food consumption and inactivity. I have been exercising lightly (walks daily, light weight training) for the last several years. I had consulted my doctor before beginning a cardio/weight training regime at a gym three years ago...but you have made a very good point. I wont rely on what my health was three years ago and talk with my doctor in advance.

Thanks again for the thoughtfulness and encouragement.

[Gary]

I started at age 49-Thought I was in decent shape-Ohhhhh silly me. I have grown to love the challange and it seems as though, the harder the workout the better I feel, mentally afterwards. It will be a little tough at first, but hang in there, it is going to be one heck of a ride you are going to love!! -I never felt better-Krav was the best workout I could have picked-Great instructor and fellow students just add to it!!!- I will be at it 2 years in March-Time flys when you are having fun!!- Good luck, and go for it!!!