Activity Focus: Boxing

Although it may seem like a pretty hardcore sport to take up, boxing is a fun and intense workout. Sharla, from season 2, still boxes after being introduced to the sport by Paul during her X-Weighted journey. We spoke with Peter Szeles, Ex- Pro boxer, boxing, kick boxing and fitness trainer in Edmonton, about how and why you should try boxing. (Szeles currently teaches classes in Edmonton at Hardcore Health & Fitness and does personal training sessions.)

How easy it is to start this activity if you have never done it before?

It is very easy. You buy a pair of hand wraps for ten bucks and that its. Then you just need to find a facility that caters to your skill level and has classes for beginners. Everybody who starts, starts at different skill and conditioning level. You have to jump right in and just catch up with the rest. I’ve had all kinds of people start boxing with me, from a 70 year old man, to people that are very unfit – one client dropped more than 60 pounds through boxing and diet.

What would a beginner find challenging?

Most challenging would be the cardio vascular exercises at the beginning. As they progress with that, the different skills to be mastered and new challenges would come. My classes, because of the gym that I work at, do not allow any sparring whatsoever (where you box against another person). Whoever wants to go further, I take them to a specialty boxing gym and I introduce it to them over there. Every individual has to make that decision for themselves as to whether they want to take it to the next level.

After a while, many people want to take it to the next level. No one at a class has ever started with them saying, “Oh yeah I want to fight,” they start it as an exercise. Then they progress and want a bigger challenge.

Would you need a basic certain level of fitness to start this activity?

You need to be fit enough to walk to the class up the stairs. Everybody starts someplace. I’ve had people who have thrown up at the beginning. As long as they can make it down to the gym, there shouldn’t be an excuse to get people away from it. Instructors will tell you to do whatever you are comfortable with, to keep moving. It is not a bootcamp style. You just keep moving.

What kind of workout does it give the body?

You get both an aerobic (longer run) and anaerobic (short bursts of energy) workout. Lots of shoulder and arm exercises, but also I implement squats and jumping lunges as well.

It is a mental workout. You have to think too. When I teach a class I tell them to imagine that they are fighting. I put them in front of the mirror and tell them to look at their reflection as their opponent. I explain why we work the body- to get to the head. You have to think a couple steps ahead for the next move. You have to know what fakes are, so you can see your opponent’s reactions. It’s like a chess game in that way.

What kind of equipment would you need to start doing this activity?

In my class a pair of hand wraps is highly recommended. There are gloves commonly used by everyone (owned by the gym). If you are dedicated, invest money in your gloves. Wear whatever you are comfortable working out in. Some people come in wrestling boots, others in running shoes.

What are the costs involved in doing this activity?

It depends on the facility. Personal training is anywhere from $60—$130/hour. (Peter charges $60) Equipment: Hand wraps are $10, gloves I sell for $80 for good quality. Hardcore Health and Fitness is $10 for drop in classes.

Where can I find out more?

Peter’s website.

This post is a repeat, but look forward to more original content to come in the future.