Boxing And I

Growing up, I was more bookworm than athlete, and I didn’t think I could enjoy any particular sport nor be any good at one. So it was a big surprise, even for me, that many years later I would be an active member of a boxing gym.

It first started with an aerobics class. I was in university at the time, and I signed up at the local gym. Although I wasn’t “sporty”, I really enjoyed doing simple weights and attending classes. The classes were part of a series of fitness classes called Les Mills; my favorites were the yoga/Pilates classes called Body Balance and an aerobics class called Body Step—it was so popular that it required reservation and lining up at the door in advance to snag a good spot in the classroom. One time, as I couldn’t get into a Body Step class, I decided to attend the next class: Body Combat. Body Combat is basically doing aerobics with kickboxing moves; it is similar to workouts like Tai Bo. Needless to say, I had a blast in the class! I also discovered that unlike some of the other sports that I’ve tried in the past (like basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, hockey… etc.), I was actually good at this! The moves were not too difficult or too varied, and my form actually looked good. In fact, occasionally fellow classmates complimented me and asked for advice on certain moves.

Fast-forward ten years, and I’ve been a regular at Body Combat—still having great fun. Out of the blue one day, my brother texted me and told me about an anime series that he’s been enjoying; it was called “Hajime no Ippo” and it was about a boy who gets into boxing. Thanks to his recommendation, I started watching the anime and became totally infatuated with it! Besides being full of action and drama, the anime took care to explain basic techniques in boxing and the rules of competition, so I wasn’t just enjoying it—I was actually learning as well. I really think that anime made me fall in love with the sport of boxing. I started paying more attention to the real sport, watching and following matches.

Fast-forward yet again a few years later, I’ve moved to a new country with my husband. I had no job, no family, and few friends—but a lot of time on my hands. One day as I was shutting down annoying Facebook ads, I saw an ad offering a free trial at 30 Minute Hit, a female boxing gym near me. What do I have to lose? I decided to give it a try. I did the boxing circuit and went through those familiar moves—jabs, crosses, hooks, upper cuts--but I was no longer just punching the air! I was hitting various pads and bags with real resistance; my technique and power were put to the test, and I loved it! So I joined the gym on the spot and has been a regular ever since (before the car accident which forced me to take time off).

 

When I first started

I rarely missed a chance to box--even the weather can't stop me!

Fighter in the snow!

I still have much to learn and improve, and I really don’t think I’ll compete in matches, but boxing is definitely something I’ll be doing for a long time. I love that it’s a sport which combines cardio and resistance training, and I love how I feel when I’m hitting and kicking away. Getting into boxing has also allowed me to make some friends—not only at the gym but also as a point of conversation outside of gym setting. I’m thankful that I was able to find joy and accomplishment through boxing, and I hope that I’ll recover soon so I can get back to it!