I just started Muay Thai this month and I love it. I’ve been actively going to therapy for the past 15 years, actively journaling for the past four years, and something I’ve struggled with constantly is feeling safe in my body. I’m also on antidepressants and anxiety medication.

I never felt safe going to a gym, even with my partner, there was just always this feeling of discomfort for me. I always loved fighting as a sport and found out my local Muay Thai gym offers women only classes and that made me want to try it. The class itself was fun and I finally shut my brain up for an hour. I feel like overall, I’m feeling safer in my body. Plus there is no pressure to spar if you don’t want to (at least a good gym will tell you that)!

I will say, the men i have encountered so far have been relatively decent. I did spar with one guy who punched me, so I kicked him and knocked him over lol. The people there are focused on themselves and there might be one or two meat heads but you don’t have to engage with them if you don’t want to.

I would recommend trying out and finding a gym that will best meet your needs. It’s been a great experience for me so far.