33: Boxing

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee - the hands can't hit what the eyes can't see. But just make sure there is a bucket in the corner of your first session if you want to... you know... throw up...

The 50 Challenges could be categorised in a number of different ways. Arts and craft challenges, mind challenges, miscellaneous adventures and physical challenges. My plan was to do all the physical challenges together (preferably towards the end of the year because I am lazy like that) so that I could maximise efficiency and essentially only get fit once.

"This challenge I was not expecting to do any time soon."

A few weeks ago my girlfriend bought me a 3-week introduction pass to a meditation studio near my house to clear my mind from work stress. After downloading the app to book my first meditation class I realised that the studio offered other classes like yoga, Pilates and of course boxing. Jackpot! I booked in the “Dynamic Cardio Box” class for 7:30 the next day and went to bed early with a smile.

I was not smiling after the class started. I was exhausted. After what felt like 500 punches, 100 squats, 50 push-ups and 30 burpies I checked my watch. 15 minutes had passed. I didn’t have a partner so I boxed with the instructor Justin. I think he was going easy on me because for the last few exercises he said, “If you need the break, just sit this one out”. I’m no slacker, so I did the exercises. The only problem was that I couldn’t physically hold my body up to do a full push-up so I kind of just kinked my elbows in slightly and straitened them back for 10. Once the hour was up I felt sick but in a good way and I was ready to take on the rest of the day.

It has been 2 weeks since that first boxing class I have gone at least 5 times since that fist session. In that time I have lost 2 kilos! No more wimpy push-ups anymore. The studio is located near the corner of High Street and Glenferrie Road and is called Happy Melon Studio. If you would like to try it ask for the 75$ introduction deal and the friendly staff there will help you out.