Edwina Tries… A Boxing Class

Contributed

Channel your inner badass with Edwina this month as she faces her anxiety head on and gives it a one-two punch in a welcoming beginners class at Level Red Boxing.

I have to admit that I am one of those people who gets really excited to try something new, plans to do it, and then gets a little bit anxious when it's time to actually do the new thing. When I made plans with Kim Anderson to take a Monday night lightweight (beginner) boxing class, it seemed like a great idea. When Monday night-after-work rolled around, I had some regrets.  Spoiler alert: I am so glad I went!

Anderson is fitness director for Erie Fitness NOW and Level Red Boxing Erie (LRB). She was so kind and enthusiastic about my visit that it was hard to be anything but excited, even if I was a little apprehensive. I am not what one would call "coordinated" or even particularly "sporty" these days and I was a little concerned that I would embarrass myself. I have zero boxing experience.

I walked in a few minutes before the 6:15 p.m. class and was greeted by a smiling employee who was wrapping a newcomer's hands and directed me to a QR code to fill out a waiver form. The music was pumped up and inviting as an earlier class finished up their cool down exercises. Class instructor Reggie came out and showed me how to wrap my hands and led our class to the punching bags, we slipped on gloves, and he started leading us through warm-up exercises.

Then we got to the real boxing moves. I was impressed at how easy Reggie made the movements look as he demonstrated. I wasn't quite as graceful when I repeated the movements on my own bag but I did feel like I was doing it. I felt strong; I felt mighty; I felt like a badass! Jab, cross, hook, uppercut. It was a short but intense workout followed by some core work with a medicine ball and a cool down on the mats. Reggie's instruction was effective and efficient.

If you've ever wanted to try boxing but have been intimidated for any reason or unsure where to start, try LRB. No one made me feel like I didn't belong there, the place has a great vibe, is super clean and organized, is very welcoming and in a convenient location, especially for west-siders. Bonus: your first class is free.

Level Red Boxing is located at 2147 W. 12th St. For more info, visit: levelredboxing.com or email LRBerieGM@levelredboxing.com

Edwina is Erie's (self-proclaimed) biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com