I first came to the gym 10 years ago. I wasn’t working out, although I was always active and used to walk.
I initially came because I was tired of being tired all the time and needed to do something. I felt very intimidated in the beginning, so much so that I was a member for a year and a half before I finally started coming consistently.
I had no real expectations for the gym except that I wanted stimulation and motivation. I certainly got that. I became hooked on the classes and couldn’t wait to come.
I have always had a slender frame and wasn’t looking to lose weight, but I was suffering from several stress-related illnesses and regular asthma attacks. As I was already slim, there was little noticeable change to my body, but an immediate change in my mind and mental outlook. I stopped feeling so tired and felt the stresses of the day disappear. Coming to class was something I couldn’t get enough of. I changed my life completely and started on a path that had me changing my diet; I am now vegan, and I took up yoga, meditation, and martial arts. I invested time in myself and my well-being, both body and mind.
Each year since my 45th birthday, I try to challenge myself physically. I entered a bodybuilding competition, I had an amateur boxing fight, and now my body is lean and sculpted.
My biggest accomplishment is that I rarely ever have asthma attacks anymore. That is huge for me; being able to breathe freely is amazing.
Now I am focused on my body and feel that I am an example of what South Beach Boxing can do. It is not only physical, it’s mental; you come in here and forget about the outside world for a while.
The more I do, the more I want to challenge myself. Everything I do is motivated by South Beach Boxing.
