The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows … I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees ... But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward …
That’s “how winning is done,” according to the gospel of Rocky Balboa, the title character created by Sylvester Stallone for the seven movies that have spanned my southpaw life (Rocky came out the year I was born). Rocky reminds us that resilience and perseverance, in the face of true hardship, define us.
Mark Fox, owner of TITLE Boxing Club in Loveland, is a Rocky fan as well.
“Like most guys, I saw it when I was 13 or 14,” he explains, laughing. “We found some boxing gloves and then beat the crap out of each other in somebody’s basement. Then all the mothers were called and that ended it.”
Mark, a former medical software salesman, opened his Loveland franchise of the Kansas City-based boxing club (specializing in boxing and kickboxing classes) in March 2012 and was able to quit his day job fairly quickly. A lifelong fitness nut, Mark continues to train several classes at TITLE Boxing Club each week.
While I’d like to tell you that I joined Mark’s club to get a better body, it was actually after several friends died in quick succession and I was struggling with powerlessness in the face of mortality. While everyone else was posting sad little memes on social media, I got pissed and started learning to wrap my hands. As a middle-aged mom who isn’t particularly coordinated (no floating butterfly here), I continue to appreciate the patience of the trainers in teaching me proper technique, not to mention the opportunity to pound the crap out of the heavy bag on a bad day.
“No one is going to get hit here,” Mark is quick to explain to newcomers. “And a lot of people think they need to get in shape before they come. You can be a 4-year-old child and do the same class as a professional boxer. You’re on your bag doing your work at your pace. Just because someone next to you might be better than you does not give you the excuse not to work as hard,” Mark assures me.
And if we’ve learned anything from Rocky Balboa, it’s that there’s no room for excuses.
What to expect:
- Your first class is free.
- The trainers will assist in wrapping your hands on your first few visits.
- The workout is intense and upbeat. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace.
How to prep:
- Wear sneakers and comfortable exercise clothing. Ladies will want a supportive sports bra.
- Don’t show up dehydrated. This is not the class to attend the morning after a bender.
- Bring a water bottle and a towel.
What the class includes:
- Warm-up shadow boxing, cardio drills, jumping jacks, etc.
- Numerous three-minute rounds on the bags and in the ring, sparring with a trainer.
- Core and abdominal work including planks, crunches and sit-ups.
Why I come back:
- The adrenaline is intoxicating and addictive.
- The intensity of the workout improves my ability to concentrate away from the gym.
- I sleep like a baby. Heck, I barely make it to 10 p.m.
You can be a 4-year-old child and do the same class as a professional boxer. You’re on your bag doing your work at your pace. –Mark Fox, owner, TITLE Boxing Club Loveland
TITLE Boxing Club, 10659 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland, 513.900.9150, TITLEBoxingClub.com/Loveland-Oh