March 2023 – Kevin Lockwood
Kevin Lockwood takes home the title as March’s Contender of the Month. Kevin is a longstanding member with us, and always ready to let Kevin (coach) and Sebastian bully him into demonstrating in front of the class. Check out our Q & A with him below.
Q: What was your skill level in fitness and boxing prior to Contenders? And where is it now?
A: I’d never enjoyed working out, even living above a Fitness World, just could never get into lifting weights. I wasn’t in great shape nor even punched a bag before going to Contenders. I’ll never forget the first class of my 2 week trial, I’ve never felt so exhausted and sore, but I loved it. I was starting to learn a skill. That was my major motivation to keep coming back. Keep learning the sweet science.
Q: What makes the experience of being a member at Contenders unique?
A: The classes & instructors. Technique is always emphasized, getting things down the right way. Even in the middle of a 9 punch combo where the roll-3-6-roll-6-3 goes up with each count and your shoulders are screaming. Your always challenged to push yourself fitness-wise
Q: How do you stay consistent and motivated with your practice?
A: The community for sure. Everyone is always encouraging when I need it, and pushes me when I need it. The feeling of accountability to the Contenders crew to keep getting better, faster, stronger.
Q: What is your favourite class to take?
A: Tie between Wednesday and Thursday Training Camp. Both classes leave you sore and depleted and loving it.
Q: What has been your biggest take away from this sport?
A: It’s very cerebral, so many layers and subtly to such an intense physical sport. It’s really fitness-chess. So many tiny movements/fakes/traps which are all part of a bigger game plan. I love watching boxing so much more.
Q: What are both your short term and long-term fitness goals, and how has Contenders helped you in achieving them?
A: I joined Contenders in 2012 to prep for a hockey tournament, then in 2013 wanted to turn 30 in the best shape of my life. We won the tournament and I turned 30 in the best shape I’d ever been in. This year I want to turn 40 in even better shape.
Q: Besides boxing, what else do you like to do?
A: Cooking is a huge passion of mine…probably why I have to take so many classes.
Q: …And lastly, tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?
A: I was born here, but grew up in Chile. It was there I first played Mike Tyson Punch-Out on the original Nintendo. My first exposure to boxing…
