BOXING HAS SUDDENLY BECOME CHIC!

In the past few months, several boxing movies have made their way onto the market, the latest one being "Against the Ropes" with Meg Ryan in the lead role as a woman boxing promoter in a male dominated industry-trying to get her boxer to the top against the odds. So, maybe it wasn't "Rocky", but if you love boxing, then you went to see it, I'm sure. When I saw it recently at the AMC theatre in Oldsmar, the audience cheered and clapped when all turned out well for our heroine and her boxing protege. (YEA!) And, speaking of Rocky, Sylvester Stallone's "reality" based TV show "The Contender" will air shortly showing you young amateur boxers as they're in training to get in shape for a shot at the pro's.

But, BOXING for FITNESS is nothing new to Tony Spain, who has developed ABSOLUTE BOXING FITNESS out of his training facility in Sarasota, Fl. Tony Spain has 20 years under his belt as a pro, AND is also a certified trainer, former Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, and 4 time Tough Man Champion.

Tony Spain told me over two years ago about his dream to have a facility where he could train everyday people as well as professional athlete's how to get and stay in the best shape of their life using a professional boxer's workout, and learn self-defense at the same time. I told him I LOVED his idea and was ready to be his first client. ( I am a gym rat who firmly believes in cross-training, and I was also interested in learning self-defense as I travel quite frequently, PLUS I was born in Philly, Rocky's home town, where boxing is BIG).

Tony approached several major gym chains in the area with his concept for the public to get and stay in shape and learn self-defense, but no interest whatsoever was shown, so he began his own facility, (Which is doing very well, thank you very much), and since then, every gym now has their version of "so called" boxing available. (BUT, don't be fooled folks, BELIEVE me, it IN NO WAY even resembles the REAL training you get at the ABSOLUTE BOXING FITNESS facility).

I can personally tell you that if you attend these classes, it is a LIFE changing experience, and it is for the BETTER! The training you get is NOT only physical, to get you in the BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE that you have EVER been in, but it will also affect your mental capabilities and your psyche! The CONFIDENCE that you gain in yourself and your abilities will spill over into ALL facets of your life, be it work, play, or conquering those unwarranted FEARS that hold you back from achieving your personal goals or dreams you have been unable to attain in the past.

If you are someone who used to work out, but has had a backslide, (And we have all been there at one time or another), I can't think of any other facility to get you back in shape faster than ABSOLUTE BOXING FITNESS. The guys will work you over with "core" or "torso" exercises to get your midsection and abs back into "six pack" shape. (And I don't mean the kind you drink).

And ladies, the plyometric exercises to strenghten your legs and tighten your glutes will get you back into your favorite clothes and yes, bathing suit weather is right around the corner for ALL of us Floridians-are you ready for the beach? (Awwwwww! O.K. I didn't think so. I heard that scream from here).

ABSOLUTE BOXING FITNESS also teach self-defense, "How to box", step-by-step training, ranging from beginner, to intermediate and experienced athletes, as well as for anyone interested in becoming a professional boxer, to a pro who needs to keep up his training, with sparring and coaching in his corner. (There are quite a few folks who come in who have had Martial arts experience, but they all agree that they never have had the vigorous training exercise routines for strength and speed that are done at Absolute). Boxing training will definitely increase yo ur endurance, speed, and reaction times, as well as get those "cobwebs" out of your closet. (You know, your brain, that big lump on the top of your neck that has been stuck in a rut that you can't seem to get out of).

You will come to know the true meaning of "think fast". Contrary to some very old misconceptions, I have learned instead that boxing is like a human game of "Chess" played out in the ring. You are NOT just using your body, you use your mind FIRST, and must think ahead and concentrate, while also reacting to your opponent. It also reminds me of Einstein's theory of relativity-for each and every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. (If your glove drops down, the reaction is a right hook, left hand, and uppercut!).

So, if you would like to turn your "Tomorrow" I will start my exercise program to get back into shape, into "TODAY I WILL" do something about getting into shape for the "REST OF MY LIFE", either call Tony Spain at 941/302-4181, or visit the really cool web site (class photos are on there) at www.TonySpain.com., or, come to ABSOLUTE BOXING FITNESS located in Ashton Business Center, 4463 Ashton Road Suite A [ Behind Alan Hill Productions ] Sarasota, Florida 34233 and attend either the youth or adult classes which are held in the evening 4 nights a week, or private, one-on-one, groups, and corporate business sessions that are available by appointment during the day or evening. Age ranges vary from 10 years old to 65 years young! We have co-workers, husband and wife combos, as well as brothers, sisters, and friends who attend, so don't be shy! See ya in class!

Nancy Evans
Photojournalist