The hardest part of staying active is finding the motivation to get up and go every day.  I adhere to my gym schedule best when I register for classes that have a costly cancellation policy.  That way, I can’t negotiate with myself about going to the gym “later” when I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. 

I have always been interested in boxing, but it seemed too exposed.  Models and influencers on social media always appear to be boxing one-on-one with a trainer.  I didn’t want to be face-to-face with an instructor, or out in the open with an audience to my unimpressive hand-eye coordination.  So, when I set out to find a boxing class that was right for me, I prioritized anonymity. 

My search led me to Shadowbox.  The room is dark with dim blue lights, and everyone has their own heavy bag, allowing you to feel obscured by the sea of bags.  I chose a bag where I could both see the instructor and maintain my anonymity, and I signed up. 

The class was intense, with plyometric exercises like burpees and jump squats interspersed between rounds of boxing, mostly on the heavy bag.  I suffer through the plyometrics, but I am addicted to the boxing.  There is nothing as satisfying as landing a powerful hook on the heavy bag.

I quickly went from taking a few classes a week to taking a class nearly every morning.  The Standard Shadowbox class is only 45 minutes, so you can give your all without worrying about conserving your energy.  The combinations of punches and defensive moves replay in your head like a mantra.  There’s no room to think about anything else. You repeat the combinations to yourself as you land punches on the bag.  Jab, cross, hook.   

Recently, I had to lay off the gym due to a minor surgery. Right away, I felt desperate to get back to my Shadowbox classes.  When taking a rest day requires more discipline than working out, you’ve found the right thing.  I don’t have to negotiate with myself about going to the gym when I’m boxing.

If you’re interested in trying Shadowbox, you can sign up for a class on their website or through ClassPass.  I’ll see you under the blue lights.