Strength Beyond the Gym: How Fitness Builds Confidence in the Workplace
Updated: Sep 10
During September, we celebrate National Women’s Health and Fitness Day which is the largest annual health promotion event for women, encouraging physical activity, better health choices and fitness awareness across all age groups. Joining a male-dominated combat sport as a 29-year-old woman in corporate America wasn’t what I had on my “bingo card,” but it was the best decision I have ever made - both personally and professionally.
The first time I set foot in a Muay Thai gym with no prior martial arts experience, I was understandably nervous. Am I starting too late? Am I not strong enough? What if they don’t take me seriously? Taking that first step is often the hardest but most rewarding thing you can do, and I’m not just talking about volunteering yourself to get punched.
I couldn’t even do a proper push-up when I started, but with consistency I achieved the confidence and skills to pass the test into advanced Muay Thai. Once you're advanced, you can participate in full contact sparring (and be punched in the face!) - where you truly put what you have learned to the test. I was quickly humbled by how many hits I took, but I kept going. Every training session I showed up for, I gained valuable feedback on how to improve for the next time.
A year and a half later, I’m still going to Muay Thai, often five days a week. There’s a saying in Muay Thai that it requires years just to become “incredibly average” at this sport. The practice of Muay Thai requires discipline because three minutes in the ring feels like a lifetime of cardio. Challenging yourself can have a lot of benefits in and outside of this sport, and the community that comes with it is truly something special. I traveled outside of the US for the first time, SOLO, to train in Thailand - something I never would have imagined myself doing before. I have made friends locally and around the world, and have recently taken my first fight at 30-years-old.
Stepping outside of my comfort zone has led to incredible experiences, been a great outlet, and given me an amazing community. The support system I have found uplifts me to be a better person in all aspects of my life, not just in the gym. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been because I kept pushing myself, physically and mentally.
The skills I have developed translate into the workplace as well: I have a newfound confidence that I can challenge myself beyond what I thought was possible. I have learned that errors aren’t always failures, they’re important data for development. There is always room to grow and learn more. Determination provides real results. For my mental health, Muay Thai has been phenomenal. If I’m having a bad day, I know I can go to class to let off some steam, refocus my mind, and be encouraged by my people. I’m able to be a better person in and out of the workplace when I can return from class with a refreshed mindset.
It’s never too late to start. You just have to show up and keep going. You may be surprised what you’re capable of when you take yourself seriously!
Kay Lockwood is a Project Manager at Summit Managed Solutions, where she supports clients and teams through project management, consulting, reporting, and problem-solving. Through her work she enjoys making a positive impact by helping others. Outside of work, she enjoys Muay Thai, traveling, nature, and spending time with her chihuahua, Ambrose, and cat, Stevia.
Summit Managed Solutions is a management consulting and professional services firm that partners with healthcare organizations across the private, public, and social sectors to create value. By providing comprehensive solution management and inclusive business operation services, Summit helps deliver specific, transformative outcomes. With consulting and managed service offerings, Summit helps partners overcome the critical challenges associated with people, process, and technology, while providing partners with flexibility, reliability, and innovation that will propel growth.
