March 2018 – Amar Manuel

Our Member of The Month for March 2018 is Amar Manuel. Amar joined Contenders in 2006 to challenge himself to have a boxing match for his 40th birthday. (As some of you may remember, he has achieved another milestone recently when he turned 50, and did a private session with John to spar 12 rounds!)

Amar says that he loves the challenge boxing presents both physically and mentally. “The positive outcomes are all the friends I have made at Contenders. I’ve vastly improved my overall fitness, met my personal fitness goals, and lost over 50 pounds while feeling 20 years younger.”

His favorite classes at Contenders currently are the ones that have a greater cardio element, however he says all the classes bring different elements, and his favorite changes depending on his fitness goal at the moment. His goal right now is to complete the Grouse Grind in 50 minutes as a 50 year-old. Amar says that he gets inspiration from his fellow members, especially those who are older than him and continue to challenge themselves in the classes.

As his advice for those who are thinking of starting boxing at Contenders, Amar says “whether you want to compete or improve your overall fitness, Contenders offers something for everyone. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable – they have created an atmosphere where everyone supports each other to reach their personal fitness or boxing goals.”

Amar is a veteran realtor with over 30 years of experience, and other than boxing, he enjoys hiking in his free time the summer months.

“I joined Contenders to get into shape and challenge myself to compete, but didn’t expect to create friendships that will last a lifetime. I got so much more over the past 12 years than I ever expected. Thank you Kevin, Richard, Seb & Yo!”