Bokeelia resident competes in regional Ninja competition
To the editor:
On June 8, 2019, Kathy Bean competed in the UNAA (United Ninja Athlete Association) competition held at LIVE Training Center in Palmetto, Fla. For one year and nine months, she has traveled 168 miles round trip to train at the only Ninja gym in this area.
Training includes boot camp class, OCR (obstacle course racing), running, weight training, balance and practice on different obstacles at the gym. She has suffered four major injuries this past year but managed to continue training in spite of handicaps. The coaches at LIVE were all very encouraging in spite of age and having no skills when she started.
The reason she got into Ninja training is threefold: 1. She has been watching the show since 2014 in a standing position because the show is so intense. 2. In her quest to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, she discovered that rigorous exercise will delay the onset of this disease. Boot camp and obstacle training are rigorous. 3. It is fun, challenges the brain and keeps cognitive skills sharp. It also keeps her feeling young and got her out of a rut.
There are sacrifices too that her training requires. The time, travel and expense involved was so great, that she finally found a place to rent and a job in Palmetto to help defray the costs. Her husband remains in Bokeelia.
With no family in the area, it becomes very lonesome at times. However, the progress she makes at the gym has been worth the sacrifice.
Her goal is to inspire others to follow their dream, get healthy and improve their quality of life. Since her competition a year ago, people young and old have come up to her and said, “You’re a star” and she has inspired them to start exercising and improving their health.
For anyone interested, there is a Kid Ninja Summer camp on July 8-22 for one week each. If you want more information about the program call 941-729-5217 or visit the website www.livetraining.com
William Bean
Bokeelia