The first time I tried kickboxing, I thought it was the most miserable 60 minutes I'd ever paid good money for. The jump rope drills left me panting for air. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee? I punched like a girl and tripped over my own shoelaces during the simplest combinations.

Three years later, I look at my kickboxing workout differently. I love what it does for my waistline, but what I love even more is what it does for my equilibrium. It knocks me off-balance, literally and figuratively. It forces me to find center with every punch thrown and received. It's an invigorating and powerful reminder that I am strong and that if I dig deep enough, I can face any challenge.

Learn how kickboxing gave this woman a few punchy lessons about life.