Q: How long have you been boxing and what got you started in this sport?

A: I got into boxing when I was in law school in the UK. I was looking for a workout that wasn’t just going to the gym, where I could learn something, and stay fit. I tried a few different activities, and really enjoyed boxing because it had what I was looking for. Also, I come from a boxing family, my dad and uncle were accomplished amatuer boxers in BC back in the 70s, that’s probably why I even considered it in the first place.

Q: What is your favourite class and why?

A: I don’t know about favorite, but the class I prioritize for the week is always Thursdays 5:30 with Seb. It’s the hardest class for me, so I know that if I’m doing ok in that class, that I’m making progress. I do also really enjoy the Saturday morning classes with Cooper, its a nice change of pace, and I like going through the circuit and testing myself at my own pace/

Q: Have you always been interested in group-based exercise, or is it something you discovered later on?

A: I found that I preferred group fitness classes because I would rather have an instructor plan and lead the class, and I don’t have to worry about a routine. Before when I used to go to the gym, besides just doing cardio forever, I would be a bit lost because I didn’t have a plan. Also, I don’t have time to find gym routines for different days and muscle groups and all that. I like that at Contenders during a week of training you know you’ll get a variety of exercises, core, legs, upper body, conditioning; you’ll get a well-rounded week.

Q: How do you stay consistent and motivated with your practice?

A: I try not to over promise myself, I know the days that I am going or not going at the beginning of the week. That way I don’t feel bad if I miss a day. Also, I know that if I stick to it I can achieve my fitness goals. Plus I enjoy going to boxing, so it’s not too difficult to stay motivated.

Q: What is your favourite thing about the community/teaching environment at Contenders?

A: All the instructors are always happy to help, and teach no matter what level of class. But they also push you to do a little more. It’s not an intimidating space, and everyone in class is friendly and classes are fun and social as well.

Q: What do you think is the most important quality a boxer should have?

A: The most important quality I think a boxer should have is dedication, and just sticking to something even when it’s hard. There’s always room for improvement in boxing, no matter what level you’re at.

Q: What do you think is the most important mindset or attitude to have when taking classes/exercising?

A: The mindset I like to go in with is, try your best and do the most that you can for that hour. It’s just an hour, you can do it.

Q: As a woman in a sport traditionally dominated by men, how have you found strength and support within boxing, and what advice would you give to other women considering joining?

A: For other women considering boxing, I would definitely tell them to find a gym that you’re comfortable going to, and has what you’re looking for. I have had friends of mine that have tried other boxing gyms and quit immediately because it was not a friendly space, or they were more boxercise classes. Even if you’re in a class where you are the only woman, or one of a few, if you’re in an inclusive, friendly space, you really forget that. Also, definitely make friends with the other women in your gym, its nice to know people that are in a similar place as you.

Q: …And lastly, tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?

A:  I’m actually fasting this month, so I did most of my March classes after fasting for the majority of the day, and then I run home to break my fast after class. No food or water!

Q: Can you start by telling us who you are and what a day in your life looks like?

Q: What was your skill level in fitness and boxing prior to Contenders? And where is it now?

A: Zero experience in gyms or boxing before this. Now, I’ve got the basics down, but I’m still a newbie, especially compared to the pros at Contenders.

Q: As a student in the classes, how do you learn best, and how does Contenders meet your learning needs?

A: Demonstrations work great for me. I also learn a lot by watching others when it’s my turn to hold the heavy bag. The mirrors help me fix my form too.

Q: W ho is your biggest influence from those that have helped define the sport of boxing and continued the longevity of the sport?

A: Hard to say since I’m pretty new. Maybe Deron Williams? He’s an ex-NBA star who digs boxing and MMA, and you can sometimes see him pulling some slick moves on the court that look a lot like boxing.

Q: How do you see yourself playing a part in the continuation of the sport. Do you box for fitness purposes, have aspirations to spar, support competitors at their matches?

A: Mainly for fitness, try to lose weight.

Q: What challenges do you face in boxing, and how do you work through them?

A: I’ve got an old shoulder injury that acts up sometimes, limiting how hard I can punch. I tweaked it again in class once, which taught me to pay more attention to my posture and focus on strengthening that area.

Q: What has been your biggest take away from this sport?

A: Awesome coaches, significant weight loss, and a solid fitness routine are my big wins.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just beginning their boxing journey?

A: Twist your body when you punch and keep your eyes on the target.

Q: …And lastly, tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I lost 15 kg after I joined the club, I’m still over 92 kg, aiming for 75 kg!

Power Up Your Strength and Stamina with Boxing Fitness

Boxing is one of the best workouts to build both strength and stamina. It’s not just about arm power; every punch engages your entire body, from your legs to your core. As you punch, dodge, and weave, you’re continuously challenging your muscles. Over time, this builds functional strength that you’ll notice in your day-to-day activities.

Stamina also gets a huge boost from regular boxing training. Each class pushes your endurance, making you more resilient to fatigue. As you continue with your boxing classes, you’ll notice that what once felt like a difficult round now feels manageable. This improvement in stamina goes beyond the gym, helping you feel energized and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

Get Your Heart Pumping with Fun Boxing Moves

Boxing fitness isn’t just about lifting weights or doing repetitive exercises. The variety of movements in boxing keeps things exciting while giving your heart an excellent workout. From fast-paced punches to intense footwork, your cardiovascular system is constantly working to keep up. The result? A stronger heart and improved circulation, which can have lasting health benefits.

Not only does boxing raise your heart rate, but it also makes cardio fun. The mix of jabs, hooks, and uppercuts means that no two classes are ever the same. You’ll forget you’re working out because you’ll be so focused on improving your skills and hitting that perfect combo. It’s the kind of workout that makes you look forward to coming back for more.

Sharpen Coordination and Balance in Every Boxing Workout

One of the unexpected perks of boxing fitness is how much it sharpens your coordination and balance. Boxing requires you to think on your feet, literally. As you dodge, punch, and shuffle around the ring, your brain and body work together to keep you stable and coordinated. Over time, this leads to better control of your movements and more precise execution of each technique.

Improving balance isn’t just great for boxing; it’s something you’ll notice in everyday life. Whether it’s catching yourself from tripping or performing complex physical tasks, having better coordination and balance makes a difference. This skill is especially valuable as we age, helping to prevent injuries and keeping us more active and agile.

Lock In Self-Discipline Through Consistent Boxing Training

There’s something about stepping into a boxing class that teaches you discipline. Boxing training requires consistency and focus, two traits that translate into other areas of life. To improve your skills, you’ll need to show up regularly and put in the work. There are no shortcuts in boxing fitness, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

This self-discipline gained through boxing helps shape a more determined and focused mindset. It’s about showing up, pushing yourself, and staying committed, even when things get tough. Before you know it, this discipline will start seeping into your daily routine, helping you tackle challenges with the same grit and determination you bring to each class.

Flex Your Way to Better Agility with Boxing Techniques

Boxing isn’t just about brute force—it’s also about agility and quick thinking. With each class, you’ll find yourself moving faster, dodging punches, and reacting in the blink of an eye. This agility is built through repetitive boxing techniques that train both your body and mind to respond more quickly to physical challenges.

Improved agility doesn’t just help in the ring; it has practical benefits in everyday life. From sports to day-to-day activities, having quicker reflexes and more nimble movements can prevent accidents and make you more effective in any physical task. Boxing fitness turns you into a more agile version of yourself, inside and outside of the gym.

Knock Out Stress and Boost Mental Clarity with Boxing Fitness

If you’re looking for a stress-busting workout, boxing fitness is the perfect solution. There’s something incredibly satisfying about punching a bag after a long day, letting go of any pent-up frustrations. The high-energy nature of boxing releases endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, which help reduce stress and anxiety.

Beyond stress relief, boxing also boosts mental clarity. The focus required in boxing training sharpens your mind, forcing you to be present in the moment. This can carry over into other areas of life, helping you think more clearly and handle daily challenges with a calm and focused attitude. It’s not just your body that benefits from boxing—your mind gets a workout too.

Sculpt Your Entire Body in Every Boxing Class

Boxing isn’t just about upper-body strength; it’s a full-body workout that tones and sculpts muscles you didn’t even know you had. With every punch, you’re engaging your shoulders, arms, back, core, and even your legs. The constant movement in boxing training ensures that no muscle is left out, giving you a balanced and toned physique.

What’s great about boxing is that you can see the results quickly. After a few weeks of consistent training, you’ll notice more defined muscles and a leaner body. The combination of strength and cardio makes boxing fitness one of the most efficient ways to sculpt your entire body in a fun and engaging way.

Speed Up Your Reflexes with High-Energy Boxing Drills

Boxing isn’t just a physical workout—it’s also a mental one. The fast-paced nature of boxing fitness sharpens your reflexes and reaction times. Every punch you throw and dodge you make requires quick thinking and faster movement. Over time, you’ll notice that your reflexes improve, helping you react quicker to both in-gym challenges and real-world situations.

Improved reflexes aren’t just helpful in the ring. They can help you stay safe in everyday life, whether it’s avoiding an accident or reacting quickly to something unexpected. Boxing training keeps your mind and body sharp, improving your ability to respond to fast-moving situations with precision and control.

Tighten Up Your Core and Improve Posture with Boxing

Boxing may not look like a core workout at first glance, but it engages your abdominal muscles in ways traditional workouts can’t. Each punch comes from your core, building strength in your abs and lower back. The rotational movements in boxing exercises also improve your flexibility, making it easier to move through your day with a stronger, more stable core.

Beyond strengthening your core, boxing fitness helps with posture. As your core muscles get stronger, you’ll naturally stand taller and move with better alignment. This improved posture reduces strain on your back and shoulders, helping you avoid pain and discomfort caused by poor alignment. Boxing classes do more than just burn calories—they help you move through life with strength and confidence.

Transform Your Fitness Journey With Contenders Boxing Studio for Unmatched Boxing Classes and Training

If you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level, there’s no better place than Contenders Boxing Studio. Our expert-led boxing fitness programs are designed for all levels, giving you the perfect mix of challenge, fun, and results. Whether you want to build strength, sharpen your reflexes, or simply de-stress, our boxing classes offer it all. Don’t wait to experience the benefits that consistent boxing training can bring to your life. Contact us today and get started on your fitness transformation.

Q: Can you start by telling us who you are and what a day in your life looks like?

A: I was born in Japan and moved to Vancouver in 2016. Currently I work as an office manager/bookkeeper.

Q: What is your history like with sports/athleticism?

A: I played basketball when I was middle school, and joined a cheerleading team (not acrobatic one) for the baseball team during my high school. Since I moved to Vancouver, and before I started boxing, I didn’t do sports or train regularly.

Q: Why did you start boxing at Contenders?

A: To make exercise habits and find a community where I could learn something new.

Q: What are you currently trying to achieve in the sport?

A: Working on the mental and physical health through sports.

Q: What is your favourite thing about the community/teaching environment at Contenders?

A: I can learn a lot of things, not only boxing skills. Everyone’s kind and friendly. A lot of contenders have been boxing many years and taking classes consistently and helping each others. They are my role models!

Q: How do you stay consistent and motivated with your practice?

A: Enjoy each class, and try to not think too much.

Q: What is your favourite class to take?

A: I like all classes! Especially, morning classes help me to be motivated and make me feeling good for a day! I’ve made lots of achievements in Friday hand pads class with the loooong combos.

Q: What is something you want to accomplish by the end of the year?

A: Join the sparring fundamentals class again.

Q: Besides boxing, what else do you like to do?

A: Hiking, biking, snowboarding, and going to the cafe and brewery!

Q: …And lastly, tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I was a sushi chef at the Rogers arena and I have served sushi to the Canucks players once.

Q: What is your history like with sports/athleticism?

A: I played lots of team sports, like Basketball and Rugby, growing up and I’ve tried to stay active as much as possible since then.

Q: How long have you been boxing and what got you started in this sport?

A: I’ve been boxing at Contenders for about 3 months. Prior to that I did a bit of kickboxing a few years ago.

Q: Could you share a few words about the coaching/coaches at Contenders, and how it’s been training under them?

A: The coaches at Contenders are awesome! They go out of their way to create a fun, comfortable learning environment. They really meet you where you’re at in your practice and help you grow a little each class.

Q: How do you stay consistent and motivated with your practice?

A: The classes are super fun! If boxing wasn’t fun, I’d lose my motivation pretty quickly. So the fact that every class is fun, energetic, and challenging really motivates me to keep coming back.

Q: What is your favourite class to take and why?

A: I’ve gotta say a tie between Boxing Fundamentals and Advanced Boxing. I find the Advanced class challenging, but that’s part of why it’s fun, and the Fundamentals class is really helpful in making sure I keep on top of the basics.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just beginning their boxing journey?

A: I’m still at the beginning myself, so I guess I’d just say to keep putting in effort and listen, not just to the coaches but to the more senior boxers here, as well.

Q: What are both your short term and long-term fitness goals, and how has Contenders helped you in achieving them?

A: Short term, I wanted to get back into a routine around working out several days a week, and I think I’ve done that. Long term, I’m not too sure, just get better and stronger. The nice thing about Contenders is that I can work towards these goals without having to constantly have them in mind. I just go and have fun, and they kind of naturally become more attainable.

Q: Besides boxing, what else do you like to do?

A: In terms of fitness I love the Vancouver trifecta of yoga, hiking, and running. I also like taking my dog out for long, relaxed walks.

Q: …And lastly, tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I have a PhD in Archaeology

Q: Can you start by telling us what a day in your life looks like?

A: AS CFO of a small Public mining Company, I arrive at the office around 10am (post traffic) and Frantically answer 50 emails and then proceed to stomp out fires. No one ever calls, writes or walks into my office to wish me a nice day, there is always a problem that needs solving  . All waiting for the favorite part of my day – lunch – er I mean workout at CONTENDERS, the happiest place on Earth !

Q: What is your history like with sports/athleticism?

A: I did track and football in high school and kept up my workouts since then with weights mainly, and swimming. Had a few years in the 90’s and early 2000’s where I let it go and paid dearly. So started with CONTENDERS, the happiest place on Earth, in 2006 and never looked back ( except when I would have the odd heart attack – bumps in the road!).

Q: How long have you been at Contenders now?

A: 18^th year – since Jan 2006

Q: What makes the experience of being a member at Contenders unique?

A: The workout is never the same. Always different and challenging. Getting to know the people is a great part of being there. You make great friends of like minds (except Damon – no one thinks like him – and also Aldo, weird)

Q: What has been your biggest roadblock when boxing at Contenders, and how have you or are you overcoming it?

A: Having to recover from illnesses, and trying to keep the weight off. Just keep swimming, keep swimming…

Q: How do you stay consistent and motivated with your practice?

A: The scale helps. And also, I cant imagine not working out as it improves every part of your life – except for the aches and pains waking up each day  .

Q: What advice would you give to someone just beginning their boxing journey?

A: Don’t think you have to over do it or keep up with everyone. Start at your own pace and challenge yourself each new week. And have fun.

Q: …And lastly, tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I have 3 wonderful daughters, a wife and 2 female dogs at home. I have no influence over my life anymore – but my wine cellar and whisky collection help me survive !

(PS. I despite what Kevin says, I do not eat lunch at Cactus everyday  ).