I start boxing class tomorrow after work. I am wondering if anyone else has taken it and enjoyed it.

I never took a class but I have a one-on-one trainer. I loved it. It is a LOT of work in the one-on-one sessions I've had --- not sure how a class would be different.

I did it for fitness, not for competition, but I think maybe I might wanna step in the ring someday --- my next step is actually probably going to start taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or something along those lines --- always wanted to be an Ultimate Figher .. he he.

I took some boxiing classes when I was in the Army, but never kept with it; took up Karate instead.

Definately fun though, and GREAT exercise.

Besides, you get to look at a bunch of really fit & muscular looking guys in shorts for incentive during all that sweaty training.

What's not to like?

Rob

I'm looking forward to it. I already do a ton of cardio, but I've been restless, so this will be cool to try something new.

You do know that in boxing the other guy hits you back, right?

My friend started boxing at a local gym a few years ago.
He seemed to be having fun for the first month but then
he had to quit because his speech was becoming slurred.
He was 27 at the time and wore the head gear and everything.
He had actually amateur fights which may be different than
what you are doing but I would say just be careful.

Yes. Yes, I do. I'm looking forward to that in the near future.




Okay ... I'm loving every minute of it. I know most of the punches and my foot work. My hands and knuckles are completely torn up and red. Seriously, it's the best fitness class I've taken. Screw yoga and Pilates! This really relaxes me at the end of class.

The boxing is going great! I'm loving every minute of it. It's three times a week for an hour at a time. I also try to practice every day as well.

If you guys (or gals) have a chance to take a class, do it!

It's worth it.

NExt month, I may be in an actual match with other guys in my class.

Okay ... who's pumped about this???

Me!!

TOTALLY ME!!

Again I feel compelled to point out that in boxing the other guy hits back. And if it's a match where he's trying to win, as compared to a training workout, he might hit back hard.

Allen, sounds like you are pumped about the boxing thing...Great. I never took up boxing, I went into the martial arts.

When you spar with your training partner I take it, the punches are controlled and you have on proper headgear? For both you and your partners protection.

Well, I am now in the advanced class and learning new techniques to some of the things I learned a few months ago.

I have to say this really has been an emorous confidence builder and many of my friends have noticed this. Also the straight guys I pal with noticed the same thing.

I do get hit in the face and I do hit back pretty damn hard in their face too.

I learned how to shadow box against another person last night. It's hard actually, but it is a lot of fun.

I'm really pushing myself really hard in this class since I am the only gay guy taking it. I wish I knew other guys around my age that's have taken or is taking boxing right now around here. So far, I'm the only one. But you definitely develop a comraderie w/ the guys in the class.

Boxing is going great. I'm still the only homo in the class. Many guys I know here in Minneapolis say they want to take it, but they are afraid of getting hurt.

Okay ... um ... I have a few scabs and bruises on each hand and my face gets punched regularly, so it's really no big deal at all.

Say ... do any of you know of a gay boxing group in the US I can correspond w/ from time to time? I thought there was one in NYC, but I was wrong (and a little surprised too).

I'm still at it. The boxing coach asked me, if I stay in Minneapolis, to help him coach kids for boxing. It's an honor and I would LOVE to do that. I would then be a certified boxing coach.

Crazy, huh?

Also ... this was online on MSNBC. See? I never follow trends. I'm always a few steps ahead.

There was a group in NYC but it fell apart a few years back.

Any injuries yet?

It seems like it is somewhat popular in large cities, read NYC, and small towns/cities of less than 200K population where it never went out of favor.

Speak of the Devil ... I was in a sparring match on Wednesday and I busted my opponent's nose. He should have used his arm or slipped away from the punch, but yeah ... I broke his nose.

He's fine, but this is a part of boxing. Hell, earlier in the year, I cracked a guy's rib during a sparring match. Like the other guy, he should have used his arm to block.

I'm fine, so far.

No, but I often fantacize about wrestling.

Yeah ... it has to be the gay one in class to cause the most damage.

Well ... update ... I am now registered w/ USA Boxing as an amateur boxer. So, I'm loving that!

My boxing coach quit training me and others since he got one of his gfs knocked up. I love the guy, but I hope he knows what he is doing.

I start training again on Thursday w/ someone new. If he doesn't have female problems, I'm gonna be leery since all of my boxing coaches all have female problems.

So far ... I've only broken a nose and a rib. Not mine ... but they should have had their guard up.

As an officially registered amateur boxer, can you qualify for the U.S. Olympic team? That would give me a reason to watch Olympic boxing, at least.

I could, but I need to be quicker.

Boxing is a fantastic sport, it's great that more and more people are taking it up, there is a very good club in London called Pink Collar Boxing, Dermot the trainer is excellent. Take a look at http://www.pinkcollarboxing.com

Dermot also takes on private lessons which i would recommend.