This statement is controversial, but the sport of boxing isn’t violent. Growing up (with five sisters), my parents considered all male sports violent, mainly the sport of boxing. I understand why. When you watch a professional match that goes twelve rounds, most of it is violent. All jabs, uppercuts, and body blows land. In between bells, the boxers are usually bleeding and exhausted. What my parents didn’t know, and what I’ve learned to love about boxing, is that the training the fighter in the ring has had to endure is the most mentally and physically challenging experience for an athlete. As a mom, it has brought me endurance, reflexes, clarity, and that feeling you get when you know you can protect your kids: strong-AF.
Have you ever considered boxing as a hobby? Have you ever thought of it for cardio? Have you taken a cardio-boxing class at your local gym? That’s how I started.
I didn’t come to boxing because it looked appealing on TV. I came because I was a marathon runner who didn’t want to struggle through the injuries that sport caused me. One day, I watched Million Dollar Baby and realized what I loved about it: the training montage. I realized this is why I’ve loved all boxing movies. There’s always a scene where the tough-love coach challenges the main character, and the boxer must grow mentally and physically to win the big fight. The training seems impossible but somehow, they make it through. In Million Dollar Baby, the main character is a 30-something female with nothing to lose, ready to get hit in the face, just to prove to herself that she’s worthwhile. So good.
Inspired yet?
Yesterday, my kids and I put on boxing gloves and hit mitts. We worked on jabs, elbows, and footwork. We jumped rope, hopped in and out of ladder drills, and kicked a standing bag. They consider it a game. They run out to join me when they know I’ve got my gloves on. When they see me using the speed bag, they pull up a chair to try it themselves – mostly, they’re curious about a game that makes me sweat the way I do. They don’t know that this game is helping their reflexes, heart, plyometrics, agility, and coordination.
Does the stereotypical boxing gym still exist?
You know, the sweaty one that smells like body odor and Old Spice? Of course, it does! What also exists is the clean, new, female-friendly gym. Here is a new one I just tried in San Francisco (with two SF locations): Punch King. Here is one in Walnut Creek, Star Method. Here is one in Oakland, Title Boxing (ask for Coach G). Each of these gyms has one-on-one training and kick-a** group classes. This is not a paid ad –I’ve just really loved my experience at these gyms.
I used to commit to one sport at a time when I was younger. For instance, I wouldn’t take a yoga class if I were training for a marathon. I don’t know why. But I’ve realized that variation is essential – both physically and mentally. Weight training a few days a week, a one-on-one boxing session, and a yoga class (It’s Yoga Kids, Michelle Wing!) is my ideal fitness week.
If you want to know more about boxing as a mom, message me! I’m not a trainer, but I can connect you.
