Enter, boxing.
I've always been interested in boxing. Long ago, in a Golds Gym far, far away I watched the Klinefelter sisters, Emily and Katy, push through their workouts. To me they were everything women should be. Smart, strong and beautiful. They radiated a confidence that I felt lit up the room. Sometimes after my workouts I would go down to the gym basement where the bags were hung and take a few swings, wondering what it might be like to be a real boxer.
When Title Boxing Club opened it's doors in Iowa City, IA they had my attention. I got the opportunity to attend when the Club offered classes in exchange for donations to Dance Marathon. From the moment I walked in I knew I was going to love it, I just didn't know how much. My class that day was taught by IB. I've since been told he is also known as "The Butcher", and I found out why.
The class began with running laps around the gym to get warm, and then we formed lines between the bags. At the beginning of the line you were to drop and do mountain climbers, then sprint to the other end and do speed work with the bag until the trainer called for switch. The remainder of the "warm-up" (I use that term loosely) soon became a blur of Burpees and sprints. Once we got into the meat of it I learned the difference between "Shoe-shine" and "Speed and Power" We worked on various combinations of Uppers, Jabs, and power punches. But there was something else, something less tangible, that I wasn't even aware I was working on.
I had gone into class with a heavy heart. The stress of school, motherhood, health and family concerns was taking it's toll. To put it bluntly, I was burnt out. With that first lap my troubles were still heavy on my mind, but by the time I got to that first punch, they were starting to fade. Every drop of sweat and every punch chipped away at them until I forgot what had me so down in the first place. IB did a masterful job using the perfect combination of insistence that we "keep working" and encouragement doled out in the form of a high five here or a "nice job" there. By the time I walked out those doors, soaked in sweat, not even a power punch could have wiped the smile off my face.
I've since been able to return for 2 more classes with IB and the Title Boxing Members and each time I've left with heavy arms and a light heart. There is something so empowering about the sport and it has found a home in my heart. I look forward to continuing to box on my cross-training days as often as I can make the 30 mile commute. If you ever get the chance to try a class at Title, I say without hesitation to take the opportunity and run with it. You will be so glad you did!
