Workouts to Try in 2023: Part 2

This one should come as no surprise because you guys have seen me boxing on IG with Main Line Boxing owner, Sean Green, this fall.

I made some fitness goals for 2022 and learning to box was one of them. So it was quite serendipitous when my friend introduced me to the trainer she had been working out with in Avalon all summer. And he just so happened to be a former competitive boxer in Philly. I trained one-on-one with Sean for a few weeks and while I still have a long way to go with my boxing skills, I am a heck of a lot better than when I started (it’s “cringy” - as my 12 yo says - to look back on those videos).

I had never really boxed before. Sure, kick boxing but that’s not boxing. And I had taken a few virtual classes with area trainer, Jen Crompton, that took me through the motions. But working with Sean was the first time I put on the gloves and sparred with a pro. Sean was a competitive boxer in Philadelphia when he was in his late teens and early 20’s and trained with the best in the city. He went to school to study kinesiology and got a physical therapy degree. And from there, he started Main Line Boxing to bring his boxing skills and strength training to this community.

And that is a good thing because boxing for mainstream fitness is pretty popular right now. It’s a kick ass workout that challenges your brain as much as it challenges your body. More and more women are turning to boxing for exercise. For one, it’s an unexpected skill for women to learn which makes it pretty damn cool. The reason I put it on my 2022 list is because I could use a little more toughness in my life. My friend said it best, “it brings out your inner badass”. And as a busy and stressed out mom of a toddler and a teenager, sometimes, you know… you just want to … punch something! I mean, I think if I started a Main Line Moms Fight Club, it would be more well attended than Brad and Edward’s. (yeah, I realize that I might be onto something).

Boxing tones the whole body. Yes, your upper body is working, but your core and lower body are included in the moves (the power comes from there), so the whole body is engaged. Boxing helps with coordination and balance, too. And it builds cardiovascular strength.

Aw man, it’s hard to watch these first sessions.

Sean started training me without the gloves. First, I I learned the six punches. I learned the stance. Next, I traveled with the punches. And we started with some simple combinations. All before I even put the gloves on. Once I got my shiny new teal gloves on, Sean set the clock for 2 minutes on, 2 minutes off. And we did 7-9 of these 2-minute rounds during each training session. The last round was always an all-out, burn out round. And by the end of the 60 minutes, I was spent, physically and mentally.

Session #3, where it is just starting to come together… maybe.

When you are new, like me, you are always thinking about the punches. It takes many, many sessions of boxing for the punches to come naturally when the trainer calls out a number. The novice boxer is always thinking… and thinking very hard. I say boxing with Sean is like the game Simon. He keeps adding punches to the combination until your brain just spins out of control. But it’s good for you. I promise. I like to strengthen my brain and my biceps at the same time. Sixty minutes like this flies by because you are so engaged the entire time. Boxing isn’t the kind of workout you can half-ass. All of your body, brain included, must be 100% on when you box.

I felt some sort of change happen in this 4th session. I finally felt and looked (at least I like to think so) more like a boxer. Well, that could be a stretch. But you get my point.

If you live in the area and can box with Sean, I highly recommend having him train you. If not, as with any trainer, you want to find someone that teaches and motivates you but is also enjoyable to be around. I had so much fun boxing with Sean. Because of his extensive boxing experience, he knows what he is doing and is an excellent teacher. He is also a great cheerleading in the laid back, coolest of ways. He encouraged me by not letting me stop mid round, or even laugh at myself for the silly mistakes (of which there were many). And his encouragement gave me the confidence to throw a faster punch and hit with more strength.

The smiles are proof that it wasn’t all serious, all the time. Despite this picture, I promise I got tougher by learning this skill. 2022 goal accomplished!

With Main Line Boxing, Sean runs the sessions based on the client. Some clients just box. Some use him as their strength and conditioning coach. Others do a mixture of both. I’m hoping to assemble a regular group of boxing and strength and conditioning with Sean in the new year, so stay tuned if that sounds like something you’d like to get in on! If you’d like to get in touch with Sean directly, you can email him at mainlineboxingllc@gmail.com.

You guys have yourself a good holiday and a happy new year … or else. hehe.

See you in 2023!