Why I Train to Box

By Robert J. Padilla

Once upon a time boxing was for tough guys who needed to make a buck or wanted to become famous.
At just about that time telephones were big, heavy, rotary devices attached to the wall with a cord.
My how times have changed! Just as different as the old telephones are to our now touch screen cell phones, is the contrast in ‘back in the day’ boxing and the boxing industry of today.

Boxing now is for everyone! With our youth, boxing allows kids to release the unlimited amounts of energy they have while gaining confidence and learning a skill which will provide them with a mature sense of security and accomplishment. With seniors (such as myself), boxing becomes a method of eliminating the need for pills to control high blood pressure, and provides the means to regain a substantial degree of health, which may have dissipated over the course of time. Women too, are more than ever enjoying the benefits of the exercises and activities associated with boxing due to the changes in the environment of the sport.

Today’s boxing arena is open, clean, bright and filled with music, often music of the students choice due to today’s technology (just plug in your IPOD during your workout). Where I train, (1on1 Boxing Fitness) the training, is just that: One on One. Personalized individual supervision ensures overdoing it, injuries, and ineffective workouts are eliminated; the results of one’s exercise time are maximized.

At over 60 years old I have, in less than 3 months, with only 3 days a week and workouts lasting only from 30 to 45 minutes, learned how to professionally throw a punch, how to defend myself from punches, and how to move (footwork); these minor achievements, however important, are not the most important to myself. I’m not a tough guy who needs to make a buck nor do I want to become a famous boxer. My ‘boxing training’ has enabled me to wake up each morning feeling years younger, my blood pressure has come down over 40 points and the level of energy I now have is amazing; my strength and speed are such that, when playing in the pool with my grandchildren, is now a joy vs. a chore…not to mention, I continue to improve in all aspects of the sport/exercise.

Strength, confidence, skill, endurance, and fun, these are each essential for kids, women, seniors, and for all who would enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle; reaching these goals, while enjoying the journey, is why I train to box.

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