Kicking Bad Habits: An Inactive Girl Learns to be Active

By Grace Potts

Look, working out just has never felt like my thing. I have what some may call an aversion to sweating, and when I get overheated, I get irritable. So, when I was encouraged to go to a group boxing class, I immediately scowled because I knew this would lead to sweating. I may live in the hometown of Muhammed Ali, but I am no champion boxer. I’m not even an amateur boxer.

To my initial dismay, I attended Bellarmine’s boxing class Jan. 16 in the Surf Center. When I entered the building, I let my friends walk ahead of me because, just between us, I didn’t even know where to swipe my student ID.

The class was small, and with only a handful of students along with the instructor, it created a tight-knit setting. We partnered to work on movements. I was nervous to work with others because I thought they would immediately recognize me as a rookie. To my surprise, everyone was incredibly helpful.

Techniques like shadow boxing — doing a 1-2 punch and defending against an opponent intimidated me — but I was up for the challenge. Surprising myself was the theme of the night. Even when I could feel my face growing hot and red, I pressed on.

Toward the end of the class, we did a station activity, moving from one punching bag to the other, practicing speed, power and the combination of both. By the time I was on my second round of this, I felt as if I could soon be on the floor, but everyone in the class pushed me to keep going. I was not flying like a butterfly, and I definitely was not stinging like a bee.

When I left the Surf, I knew my face was flushed, and I could feel my hair slicked back with sweat. But it felt good. I knew I had accomplished something I didn’t ever think I could. Granted, I needed a little push, but hey, everyone does sometimes.

To learn more about Bellarmine Surf exercise classes, visit its website at: https://www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/recreationcenter/