Getting out of bed has never been so difficult.

First, I sat up and let out an uncontrolled groan; clutching at my abdomen, I blindly searched for a wall to prop myself against.

Attempting to stretch out my mid-section, I raised my arms above my head. Big mistake.

That was the experience this less-than-fit reporter went through the morning after a heavy bag workout put on by Cochrane Martial Arts.

While my one-hour session was intense to say the least, the organization offers classes for all skill and fitness levels, said the group’s co-organizer, and one of 10 instructors, Marion Wiebe.

“We look at each person who comes in and determine how hard we should work them,” said Wiebe, a martial arts veteran with a swift kick and quick wit.

“We really try to offer something for everyone.”

The organization, which holds lessons six days a week in their new facility across from the Totem 2 arena in Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, also offers numerous other sessions from Jiu Jitsu to various forms of karate and even coordination training using fighting sticks.

Iain Lovell throws a jab during a heavy bag session Jan. 9, put on by Cochrane Martial Arts and Fitness at their facility inside the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre. Photo by Jeremy Nolais

There are also options for the little ones, including a movement martial arts class and family karate sessions.

“It’s a lot of fun and it’s more exciting that normal exercising routines because you are getting in shape while learning something,” said co-organizer Leslie Buckton.

Each class is developed to target important physical attributes and the activities vary from lesson to lesson to keep willing participants on their toes. The heavy bag workout in particular aims at burning calories, building muscle, developing core strength, and, possibly most importantly, relieving stress.

Caroline Stewart, who has been travelling from Calgary to sessions put on by Cochrane Martial Arts for two years, said it’s the quality instruction and the friendly atmosphere that brings her back.

“It’s wonderful for women and great exercise for the whole body,” said Stewart.

“People from all different levels can take part in the class and they cater to the different levels. So, that’s what I really like because I don’t know what I’m doing, but I don’t feel stupid.”

That varying level of skill was on display during the heavy bag session Jan. 9, as Stewart and I were joined by seasoned athlete Iain Lovell. While us newcomers learned a basic jab-cross punch combination, Lovell worked through an impressive repertoire of kicking sets to keep his heart rate up.

Wiebe, who joined Lovell for much of the kicking workout, said the most important thing is that everyone has fun.

Cochrane Martial Arts has much to offer; you can drop-in for any class at a cost of $10 or purchase a monthly pass for less than $70 for unlimited classes. More information can be found at cochranemartialarts.com or by e-mailing cochranemartialarts@gmail.com.

Related Stories

No related posts.

• Filed under Community | You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.