(no subject)

I've been talking lately about my evil 6:00AM Tai Chi class.

I'm debating whether I want to continue taking it next semester.

Pros:

* It's regular exercise
* It gets me up and going in the morning
* I like the idea of learning the rest of the form
* I won't feel like a loser for quitting
* It would help motivate koyote, who wants to continue
* It would make getting up at 7:30 or so for my Saturday class more bearable.
* It's entirely possible that the teacher will become more bearable if I show I'm serious by returning.

Cons:

* It isn't really highly aerobic exercise. I suspect the benefit is about the same as an equivalent amount of time walking. Not that this is bad (it's certainly better than no exercise), but it isn't all that great, either. The exercise could be made up in another class/activity that meets at a better time and that I find more enjoyable.
* I've actually been getting to work later than usual since starting TC, mainly because I tend to need a nap afterwards if I want to function during the rest of the day.
* I already find the mornings uncomfortably cold. As the weather gets worse, this is unlikely to improve (It's an outdoor class).
* It will leave me with very little free time on days I have class, since I have to get to sleep so early (by 10 if I want enough sleep)
* I was seriously depressed during much of my last class due to stress, lack of sleep, and lack of time. I don't want to go through that again.
* I don't like the teacher's teaching style. At best, it's hard to follow and/or he pays very little attention to our progress. At worst, he makes me feel like crap for not magically knowing things that he's never explained or for having a different learning style than he teaches for.

The main problems are these last three. I don't feel that it needs to be enjoyable all the time, but it also shouldn't be significantly adding to my stress levels.

Part of this is my attitude. koyote just doesn't take the teacher personally, and figures that the teacher's complaining and negativity are more of a reflection on the teacher than himself. He's probably right, but my brain isn't quite as rational. Plus, I don't really want to learn from a teacher who I can't take seriously.

I just have such a history of taking and then dropping martial arts classes that not continuing with this one, even for legitimate reasons, feels wrong. It also feels wrong to quit with the form half-finished (though it's possible I can pick up the rest from koyote and books).

Anyone have any significant points one way or the other that I haven't thought of yet?