The Boxer

Those who know me may, rightfully, jump to the conclusion that I am speaking of my 72-pound beast, Zurk. But such is not the case. Instead, I was recently reflecting on boxing classes that I took – one of my top 3 exercise regimens of all time. And here’s what my instructor taught me, with a few additional thoughts added by yours truly:

- Evenly distribute your weight, across both legs, with your knees slightly bent. The same could be said for the roller coaster ride we call life. Have a strong and balanced foundation, add a bit of flex, and you’ll get through.

- Boxing gloves are essential. They protect you. They protect another. And shouldn’t it be all about protecting each other?

- Hand wraps. Don’t leave home without them. It’s your first line of defense. It doesn’t prevent the blow, but just like community, wraps are there to lessen the sting.

- Keep the elbows down, the hands up and the head behind the gloves. Know when to weave, know when to bob, and know when to jab. It’s not just about strength, but also versatility.

- Inhale as you prepare to punch, exhale when you land it. Breathe. Simply breathe.

- It’s all about the shoes. There’s a lot of footwork required. Be ready to dance.

The same could be said about your life journey. Know and practice the fundamentals - FOREVER. For without them, your combinations will flail. Practice kindness. Practice courage. Practice resilience. Practice, practice, practice.