Wow, I wasn't expecting so many responses. Ya know, my instructor is very encouraging and always tells us to push past the pain...if you're tired push harder cuz u need to bring it at the end of a fight when you're real tired...and I see everyone in my class doing that and I do it too. I just don't want to be so winded and feeling like my lungs are on fire so bad that I have to stop. I basically don't want it to look like I can't handle it. I think I am going to start running at some point.
As for the weights, I"m not trying to be counterproductive by doing this. I just really want to tone up. The bag work has helped with this a lot...but I also want to not look so waify....5'5 at 115..I just wanted to be able to have a little more behind my punch. I'm not doing this just for the "cardio" or the "exercise" like so many of the women at this gym do. I really enjoy this art and I want to be good at it. I can't stand the women who come in with a tank top that's like barely holding them together...their lame arm punching and skipping rope like they're 10....it's a waste of time and money in my eyes. I want to do right by my body. I don't want to hurt myself...but I know I am capable of more.
Anyways, I'm rambling.