Are there any elementary moves I can practice myself, any simple body-weight strength-training exercises I can do without guidance? Or do I run the risk of wrecking my body even if I train in the most basic manner without guidance? Am I hoping too much? Should I give up on hope and do nothing as long as I have no money to join a gym/dojo?
Is there anything I can do if I can't afford to join a school?
- Thread starter Loser
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Any exercise with good technique is worth doing. Being stronger and/or more fit will already add to your ability to defend yourself.
If you have any money at all, look around for programs that may be offered at community centers, etc. Those tend to be less expensive, since they are typically run by someone doing it not as their main income, and they don't have the expense of a school. You might also find an instructor who will be willing to barter for some skill you can offer, even if it's just for a few lessons to give you some drills you can work on your own for a while.
If you have any money at all, look around for programs that may be offered at community centers, etc. Those tend to be less expensive, since they are typically run by someone doing it not as their main income, and they don't have the expense of a school. You might also find an instructor who will be willing to barter for some skill you can offer, even if it's just for a few lessons to give you some drills you can work on your own for a while.
1. Where will I find plates? (Money?)
2. Who will show me the proper form so that I don't get injured?
However, what I deduce from the replies so far is that there are zero exercises I can do unless I have enough money to attend a school/gym someday. Alas, it's better to do nothing, lest I injure myself. I'll refrain from working out until I have money -- or for the rest of my life, whichever comes first. Goodbye.
Even in the case of bodyweight exercises, don't I need an instructor to show me proper form so I don't get injured?
Most bodyweight exercises are fairly safe, even without detailed coaching. Learning proper form just helps you get more benefit from them.
You can do pushups, pullups, chair dips, crunches, planks, bodyweight squats, etc with no equipment and minimal space. If you want some guidance for proper technique and some ideas for a structured workout, just go to YouTube and search for "beginner bodyweight workout". You'll find a ton of options.
I've tried such exercises. Squats hurt my knees, dips hurt my shoulders, situps and crunches hurt my back.
Wing Woo Gar
Grandmaster
Exercise is difficult at first. Go slow. Don’t worry about visible results. Stretch daily. Stay hydrated. Eat healthy as you can. You can do it.
If you are not able to join a school because of finances or time, then go to the school that you would like to join and let them know of your situation. Also let them know that you are interested in any free trial offers that you can take. Take the little bit of what you learn in that free trial so that you can practice that. Some schools may be willing to work with you and financial issue that may be preventing you from joining the school
If you are talking about getting strong, then there's tons of exercises for that. If you are going to a gym then I would recommend one with punching bags. From time to time you may come across martial artists in the gym who will be willing to teach you basics. Basics are often frown upon, but you can get a lot of mileage out of being good at the basics.
I don't see how that can prevent squats from hurting my knees, dips from hurting my shoulders, and crunches from hurting my back. Ignoring the pain and doing them anyway is the fastest way to wreck my body.
You suggest that I enter a dojo and plead with them to train me for free? I have some dignity!
Wing Woo Gar
Grandmaster
So, you come here asking for advice, but aren’t willing to take any? I don’t think that’s going to get you anywhere. Have you seen a doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to begin an exercise regime? I don’t know your age or health status, but maybe just taking long walks is a better option than martial arts or calisthenics.
Wing Woo Gar
Grandmaster
They may be willing to let you clean up the dojo in exchange for training. I cleaned out my teachers horse stalls for training when I was poor. Dignity is in having the humility to ask. Most teachers love to help interested people get involved.
Ain’t no question about that.
I can't afford to visit a doctor either.
I'm pretty sure they already pay someone to clean up their place instead of waiting for a peniless guy to come over and beg them to do it for free. I don't know how long ago you were young, but I don't see such tactics working in modern world.
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