Day 16 ! Boxing Personal Training

When I was at uni, during exam time, a friend had an idea that one (semi-reliable) person should set an alarm, wake up, call another person and stay on the phone until they go flush the toilet (just the toilet flush, none of the usual pre-toilet flushing activity). Then, that person would call another person and make them go flush the toilet. And so on. The rationale was that by the time you wake up and go to flush the toilet, you’re awake already. Without that getting out of bed, toilet flush and associated 45 seconds, you were more likely to just hang up and go straight back to sleep. In the end, some people could just as easily go back to bed after flushing a toilet but it did work for some who, once they were up, were up.

Because it’s tough to wake up early unless (a) you’re one of those fortunate (and annoying) “morning people,” (b) you’re going on holiday (no-one snoozes that 4.30am alarm when they know they have a 7am easyjet flight to a sunny destination) or (c) someone is relying on you (to make them flush the toilet).

If you’re only accountable to yourself, you’ll never let yourself down because you know yourself best and you know what excuses will work. Personal training works because people sometimes need someone beside them, pushing them, encouraging them and being the giant conscience that hammers down on the excuses that we would usually come up with on our own. And for a specialised sport, their knowledge and technique teaching can be invaluable.

I have been having boxing lessons on/off (more off, Francis will say) with Francis for a while now. It's not because I am a violet person - I don’t like watching scary films and I get a little squeamish around other people's blood (mine is fine-its like tickling yourself. No reaction). And I am not (I don’t think) harbouring lots of secret inner anger. Nevertheless, I do love boxing training. It’s highly linked to the fact that Francis is, without doubt, an excellent teacher. He will push you, guaranteed. He will not mollycoddle you and tell you that you are doing well if you are not (but he will tell you if you are!). He will not take things so seriously that you dread your next session if you haven’t done anything since the last session but he will take it seriously enough that you will be learning every time. Learning and working very, very hard. He has a frank, open and honest manner, which is crucial in personal training – otherwise you are simply wasting hard-earned pennies on having someone lie to you (which some might say is still worth it!). Instead, you should want results. Whether it’s losing weight, getting fitter, learning better technique, it’s only worth it if you see improvement. So make sure you have a trainer that fits with you! If you’re not enjoying your sessions or don’t feel like it’s achieving much, don’t be afraid to try someone else.

I can gladly say now that I can throw a decent punch. Not to a professional or competitive level or anything like that but just to a level I am ok with. Alas, this only applies to hitting pads at the moment. We’ll be moving onto light sparring once I am, as Francis says, “comfortable with not closing my eyes when something is coming towards my face.” It is a lot easier said than done I tell ya. But when I can overcome the natural instinct to back away when someone comes at me, I will be a very happy chappy.

The Need To Know:

- Where: Francis teaches at Fitness First (Thomas More Square) at the mo.

- Nearest Station: Tower Hill (10mins) / Shadwell (14mins)

- When: Throughout the week

- How Much: Contact Francis directly (07733 801 432)

  

The Want to Know:

- Who’s it For: For those wanting a focused 1-1 session and improve boxing skills. And a good solid workout.

- Sweat Scale: 9/10. Every time.

- Strength / Cardio / Flexi / Tone: Strength / Cardio (and skill!)

- Complexity: 7/10. It takes time to learn good technique.

- Fun Factor: 9/10. Each session will be different!

- Special Note: You do not need to be a member of Fitness First to train with Francis.

- Changing Facilities: Standard gym changing rooms, showers, hairdryers.

- Instructor Inspiration: 10/10. He knows what he’s talking about.

The Stats:

- Total Time: 42mins

- Calories Burnt: A whopping 274!

- Average Heart Rate: 147 (Highest Avg. HR Fitivity so far)
- Max Heart Rate: 166 (Tied 2^nd highest ranked Max HR with Day 11 MMA Circuits. 1^st so far is Day 7 Nike xFrame Run Club at 179)

I forgot to take a picture so pulled from google search!