WHY YOU SHOULD TRY A NEW FITNESS CLASS

When I first moved to LA, one of my biggest concerns was finding a gym. Aside from finding one that was affordable, I wanted to find a place that mainly consisted of people my age. I figured the gym would be one of the best places to meet people. However, in hindsight, I’m not sure why I thought that. Aside from the fact that I suffer from ‘resting gym face’ (I do not look approachable whatsoever), I realized not many people go to the gym right after work to make friends (myself included). I want to get in, smash my workout, and then rush home to my bed. Needless to say, aside from the people that worked there, I didn’t make any friends except random comments to strangers here and there.

While exploring my surroundsings one day at work, I discovered a boxing gym right down the street. I decided to check it out one day after work and figured it would be a good way to meet new people since we were all there for the same class.

It was love at first sight. Between the authentic boxing gym atmosphere and the loud Missy Elliot mixes blaring from the stereo, I was hooked. I loved the idea of learning a new skill that was fitness-related, and more importantly, it forced me out of my comfort zone. I had gone boxing one time before but clearly I still had a lot to learn. The class was full of people my age, some very skilled boxers and some first-timers, like myself. I loved listening to the banter between the workers and regulars and secretly wished to be one of them. I decided it would be good for me to go once a week. In doing so, I knew I would continue to get better and I would start to form friendships, as everyone there was so friendly and encouraging.

At first, boxing was just a way for me to change up my fitness routine, push myself out of my comfort zone, and maybe meet some new people. However, it ended up being so much more than that. It became my safe space; a place where I felt I could let out all my anger from the day or a place to release all my positive energy. I could be my ugliest, sweatiest, and grossest-self and not have to worry about how my hair looked. It became a place where I learned to push myself, but also a place where I learned to have patience with myself.

I discovered the boxing gym on a day I really needed it. It became a place of motivation and inspiration because it was the place I proved I am capable of so much more than I thought. That is why I encourage you to find your own ‘boxing gym’. Think of a skill or fitness-related goal you’ve always wanted to learn or accomplish. Then, just do it. It’s truly that simple. Don’t worry about looking silly or failing. As someone who has been active her whole life, one thing I’ve always noticed is that in the fitness community, we all support each other. It doesn’t matter if you’re overweight, really thin or can’t run half a mile. We get it, we respect it, and we support you. So try something new. It may be intimidating and scary at first, but the relationships you’ll build, with others and yourself, will be worth it in the long run.

#FITNESS