Mixed Martial Arts, also known as cage fighting, is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Originally only the domain of men, women have recently been stepping into the ring for no-holds-barred matches.
Kendra Ruff, 25, was first introduced to the sport by her MMA fighter ex-husband... who told her she couldn't do it because she was "too pretty."
Now she's the No. 1 amateur in her state and remains undefeated. It's not the blood and guts that keeps her coming back—although there's plenty of that—but the confidence that comes from fighting.
"It's like having a secret. I can put on my cute dress and go out for a night on the town and not have to worry. I always feel in control."
Now Ruff works as a boxing instructor and personal trainer for Lifetime fitness and owns her own business, Iron, LLC . To get the same "sexy sweaty" feeling as Ruff, she offered to take SHAPE readers through one of her killer conditioning routines, no equipment necessary!
