Maria

Like Maria, a lot of folks start boxing looking to relieve stress. Then they get hooked! 👊 #3rdstreettribe

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I got into boxing 15 years ago. I was going through a lot of stress in my life and I saw some classes for boxing through another gym. I thought, ‘what a great way to relieve stress!’ I started at Crunch and then started looking for a boxing gym. I met Paul and Simon in 2004 and never looked back.”

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“I used to dance in high school and college and up to that point I had been doing dance classes and kickboxing classes. Boxing is similar to dancing: coordination, hand-eye coordination, cardio aspect, different sequences, etc. You have to use your brain, think about what you're doing and not just zoning out like you can do with running. You actually acquire skills that you would not get from just weight training and/or running. Additionally, boxing is so empowering, not to mention the great results of improved stamina, improved skill set, better physique and also a camaraderie with your partners.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

"Try a few classes with conditioning. Give it at least 2x week and the numbers will eventually make sense. You will also start seeing results pretty quickly in terms of getting toned and getting the movements down. Also, it's all about form and doing it right, so don't rush it. After 15 years, I am still learning new things with my form. Tough Love is unique in that the conditioning in that class is pretty intensive. You feel so good about yourself afterward!”

Janaiah

You've probably seen Janaiah in class, showing the bag who's boss, with her braid whipping back and forth! 💥 She's been part of the #3rdstreettribe since 2016!

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“A few years back a friend told me about Paul's bootcamps, so I enrolled in my first camp in 2016 and have loved it since!

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“It's the best physical challenge and emotional release out there. It requires technique, drive, patience, and hard work -- all at the same time. I come to 3rd street because it fosters a community of people who might be there for different reasons, but all want the same thing.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

“If you fall off of your workouts like I do, call yourself out! Oh, and never (aka always) be afraid of the CalTrain stairs :)”

Raul

Raul loves the fact that not only is boxing a sport, it's a skill. It takes your body and your brain to conquer! 🧠💪 #3rdstreettribe

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I found lifting weights to be boring, and found team sports such as soccer hard to organize. What got me into boxing is that it’s an individual sport and it’s a skill. What brought me to 3rd street is the variety of classes available and you could ease into boxing as a beginner. The previous boxing classes I had done placed you directly into sparring only after a few weeks of technique training.”

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“As I mentioned before, not only is boxing great because it’s an individual sport, but also because you are learning a skill. I enjoy how so much thought and analysis goes into the sport as well.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

"What I would say to newbies/beginners is to really take time to perfect your technique. If you can’t make the classes, practice by yourself and try to perfect your punches. Also, don’t be intimidated to spar. It’s the best way to learn.”