Uppercut Update

Last week for the Punch Project, I went back to Dullea’s a couple of times and worked with Tedi Markham at the JCC.  

Monday night at Dullea’s was packed as usual, but this time I brought a special guest: my father. Having been to Dullea’s a few times, it was nice to be able to teach someone else what I had learned. If you’re considering trying out boxing, I suggest bringing another friend along. Boxing is not simply a partner sport in the ring. At Dullea’s we share bags, switching off who’s working out and who’s taking a much needed rest. We also pair up to work on uppercuts and 1-2s at the end. 

At least, that’s what I thought until last Friday. Friday is a completely different story at Dullea’s. Instead of two on a bag, we each get our own. What does this mean? This means we work twice as hard, with no breaks. I love how our exercises are carried out over intervals of ten or twenty seconds. Your body can work harder than you think for only ten seconds at a time. Last Friday, it got to the point where I had no idea how I was still punching, I just kept going. 

Of course, the next day, I could understand how those ten second intervals added up. Or more importantly, what they added up to: soreness. Soreness isn’t always something to be dreaded though. The soreness I receive after Dullea’s is validating, satisfying, and most of the time pleasant.  

Tedi and I worked on the fundamentals again. We added more stair runs, more weight, more everything. It is important to always keep changing your workout: whether that’s adding to it or switching which muscle groups you’re targeting. Either way keeps you from plateauing. 

This week I will be switching it up, attending the JCC’s Body Pump class and spinning class later in the week. Can’t wait to share what I learn!