*Jazmin hates anything that feels remotely like legitimate exercise while Alyss thrives on that feeling of getting a really good workout. What happens when two young women with completely opposing outlooks on (and willingness to) exercise try out the fitness class of the moment? Here’s where we find out... *
This week we headed to Power of Boxing, a boxing gym that puts you through your paces with a 1-hour, high-intensity, non-contact, group fitness circuit in an authentic boxing gym. It combines cardio boxing exercises and technical pad work, with muscle toning and core strength work. So not a lot, hey? Here’s how our (sweaty) selves got on.
First thoughts
Alyss: 'ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod what have I signed up for. Where am I, why does It smell like sweat, will I die? I could die. Send help. SOS. Oh wait, who’s this nice man explaining how to do things. Oh look, those people are boxing, they look like they’re having fun. Cool. If they can do this then so can I. I’m fine.' Does that sum it up for you?
**Jazmin: **LOL. When the fuck did I agree to this? Boxing? Me? Lol.
How difficult is it?
Alyss: I mean, you have to do cardio, body weights, skipping and boxing…so PRETTY DARN HARD. But totally worth it and actually pretty fun. Yes, I wanted to collapse in heap on the floor for the majority of the class but after the final part (the boxing) I was on such a high I didn’t want to leave the ring. Sign me up for another class.
**Jazmin: **I have zero upper body strength, next to no stamina and a fear of being punched in the face. So, I found it really difficult. But in a better way than I anticipated. Once I got over the fact that I was actually going to have to participate I managed to get into the swing of it, and what's nice is that although you're encouraged to go hard, you can tone it down a little bit to suit your own pace while you're at each circuit station. I owned the skipping rope, the push ups not so much.
Do I need a working knowledge of exercise beforehand?
Alyss: Errrrrrm not really, but I won't lie it did feel a little bit intimidating walking into a boxing gym. Not because people weren’t incredibly friendly and helpful (they were) but because they were regulars and we weren’t. I feel like if you went a couple of times you’d be an absolute pro, but you have to start somewhere don’t you? It would definitely help if you knew how to skip or do push-ups – just to make it easier for you. And how to move your feet from left to right without crossing them over, for the boxing part anyway.
**Jazmin: **Knowing a little bit about boxing might help, but it's definitely not a prerequisite to the class. It was a bit overwhelming to walk into this old school gym with a bunch of tall men who had obviously been doing the whole boxing thing for years, but the team who work there were great and took the time to teach us how to do the bits we weren't familiar with.
Can I fit it into a lunch break?
Alyss: No no no no. I was SO sweaty after this call I needed to get home and shower immediately. I also felt so exhausted all I could do was sit down, going back to work after an intensive boxing class is a definite no. Head there in the AM or PM.
**Jazmin: **Oh god please don't try and do this over lunch. It takes up a full hour (as in most of the class is timed pretty much minute by minute) so you want to give yourself some time either side to stretch and erm, mentally prepare.
Could I take a mate?
Alyss: Take a mate, I felt far more comfortable knowing I had Jazmin there. Plus, you can practise on each other and let out some rage.
**Jazmin: **To be fair, this was probably one of the most sociable classes I've done. You go round the circuit in little groups and it all lends itself to being able to have a bit of a natter in between breaths which is nice. Also, I'm pretty sure that had I not of had Alyss there with me, I probably wouldn't have been brave enough to do it.
Would I need to shower after?
Alyss: Did you read above? You need about three showers, consecutively, using three bottles of shower gel. I don’t think I’ve ever sweated that much in my life, my hair was soaking wet. Sorry, TMI? Sweaty hair = great workout, though, right?
**Jazmin: **The sweat of a thousand men absorbed into every crevis of my poor, freshly manicured hands the moment I put the boxing gloves on. Please shower afterwards.
Was it fun, though?
Alyss: So much fun! I enjoyed it so much and now have the boxing bug. I’ve been practising at home on my boyfriend but it’s not really going that well – get me back to a class, stat.
**Jazmin: **You know what, despite my reluctance, I actually had a really great time. The class really puts you through your paces but I felt ah-may-zing afterwards. Don't get me wrong, I was in all sorts of pain the morning after but I wouldn't be mad about signing up for another class.
Like this? You might also be interested in…
How To Survive An Exercise Class If You’re As Self Conscious As Me
Follow Alyss on Instagram @alyssbowen
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.