I'm a young woman in New York City, looking for a way to get in shape. (I'm not grossly out of shape now, but a year at a sedentary office job has taken a toll.) Running got boring. I've done the gym thing before and it's fine, but I'd like to find something new to get into: yoga, a martial art, a form of dance, kick-boxing. I'm open. I'd like to find a good place (a really homey yoga or martial arts studio, for example), in lower Manhattan (within the ambit of Union Square would be great) or possibly Williamsburg. Any suggestions on activities and/or places?
posted by toomuchkatherine on Sep 14, 2007 - 13 answers

Having recently moved to a small flat with little outside space, my free-standing kick-boxing bag is of no use. Even if I had room to hurl myself at it, I'd annoy the neighbours. What sort of equipment can I use to practice Thai boxing and grappling at home? [more inside]
posted by ajp on Jul 3, 2007 - 8 answers

what is the potential of practicing martial arts as form of exercise...and what style? [more inside]
posted by Salvatorparadise on Dec 28, 2006 - 17 answers

I'd like to study Kung Fu, mainly to get in shape. There is a place near me that teaches 8 Step Mantis. Is that an OK style for me to start with? Is there anything important I should know going into this?
posted by badstone on Sep 8, 2004 - 15 answers

I'm considering starting an activity that's really out of my normal stratosphere, and have thought about maybe trying karate or another martial art. I'm a skinny 27-year-old guy who is not very flexible or physically strong. Is this a really bad idea? And if not, can anyone recommend what kind of martial art I should try? If you can recommend specific places in NYC (Manhattan), it would be even better.
posted by edlundart on Sep 1, 2004 - 11 answers

I would like to start taking classes in some kind of martial art. I'm interested in something that will help me get in shape and also provide a little self defense. What flavor should I pursue?
posted by LittleMissCranky on Dec 18, 2003 - 14 answers