The Beauty of Boxing

By Helen Clark

Boxing is the latest fitness craze to hit Cheshire� and it�s not just for men. More and more women are now taking up the sport which offers them an all-round fitness and weight-loss programme.
Glenn Williams works at Total Fitness in Wilmslow and is committed to encouraging women to learn the skills of boxing. �It�s fantastic for self-defence but also it�s a perfect way to tone up, increase stamina and improve strength,� says Glenn. �Boxing is not only for men, but also for women wanting a fun workout while burning off some calories.�
While serving in the army as a Para trained Medic for the 5th Airborne Brigade Glenn was Number 1 in the British Armed Forces Boxing Team. After he left the army he went on to win 11 different boxing titles before retiring in 2001 as the undefeated light heavyweight central area champion. He then went on to complete an ABA coaching licence and has experience in personal training and nutrition in various health clubs around the country. �My clients are not necessarily fit when they first come to me for training,� Glenn explains �but within six weeks they will notice huge changes to their fitness level due to the intensity of the training.�



Glenn begins by talking clients through the eight basic punches, including hooks, uppercuts and straight punches. �I use pads to ensure one to one command while helping my clients with defending techniques. I find that a combination of pads and the punch bag helps them to pick up skills more quickly.�
It seems that women are at a psychological advantage when it comes to boxing. �The sessions enable women to release a lot of aggression and they are often determined to prove to themselves that they are just as capable as men� explains Glenn.
Another great benefit of this sport appears to be weight loss. �This is because boxing strips the body of fat rather than building up muscle,� explains Glenn. �Because the exercise is so energetic, women notice a big difference in their body shape in a short period of time.�
43 year old Dianne Yates has been training with Glenn for 6 months and has experienced the benefits for herself. �Boxing gives women a confidence boost as it teaches them the art of self-defence and a real sense of achievement at having learnt a skill that is usually associated with men,� she explains. �It�s a great stress-reliever and can give women a bit of �me time� away from family commitments.�
Dianne is a keen runner and is now noticing the benefits of her new hobby. �Since I�ve been having boxing lessons I�ve managed to take 30 seconds off my running speed as it has helped to improve my stamina and general fitness levels.� It�s something that she recommends to all women. �Whether you are 16 or 76 you are never too old to start!�