Fitness and Diet Q and A

Hello everyone! 

I recently posted a question and answer post on my Instagram story. Although not everyone was entirely interested in taking part from the word 'go', I was overwhelmed with how many people sent me questions! I answered only half of them publicly on my story so I could give you guys some extra content to read on my blog. But don't worry if you missed the publicly answered questions, I will post those on here too!

 I'm not going to ramble on any more because I am awkwardly thinking of something to say here but cannot think of anything. So here are the questions...

1. What made you first get into boxing?

Boxing is always something I have been interested in since I was at school. I was recommended it by a counsellor I had when I struggled with depression and anxiety when I was a bit younger so I started doing boxing exercise classes at my local gym. I really got into it and wanted to progress but I noticed there were hardly any women in the sport and I foolishly let that put me off. I went through quite a lot in a previous relationship and after surviving that very dark period, I thought boxing would enable me to feel empowered and able to defend myself. So I signed up to an Ultra White Collar Boxing event and got hooked. I loved the fitness element, the sparring and it has done wonders for me as a person. I would recommend it to anyone, whether you want to compete, just want to get fit or want to be able to defend yourself. 


2. How do you deal with doubters?

I've learnt that ignorance is bliss. Do not let the opinions of doubters get to you because it is a slippery slope and you can quickly become your own worst enemy. At my last boxing gym I went to, I was still struggling mentally and balancing boxing with university studies and my job. I was constantly told by the same person I never pushed myself 'hard enough', yet they had no idea how much I was struggling and what my life outside of boxing was like. I also overheard this same person say I 'always have an excuse' one session when I had tonsillitis and still showed up to training. This person wasn't even my coach. You are embarking your fitness journey for yourself and no one else. Discard them from your life because the more you listen and give them the idea that their opinion is getting on top of you, then they are winning and you are making yourself less able to meet your goals. Surround yourself with like-minded and supportive people and you will flourish. 

3. Have you always been sporty? 

No, not at all. A big case was even made out of me during my primary and secondary education because of my lack of fitness and physical ability. Sport never interested me, I have always been more academic and artistic. I hated PE at school because it always drew attention to how slow of a runner I was and my lack of hand-eye co-ordination. I got quite big when I was eighteen to twenty-years old due to being in a very happy relationship and I was comfortable and enjoying myself but then I noticed the shape of my body and hated it. I didn't feel sexy or beautiful so I wanted to make a change. And let me tell you, boxing is the best sport to get into if you want to get fit. It is so testing, mentally and physically, and works wonders for your cardio-vascular fitness and strength! I'd love for my old PE teachers to see me now, I think they'd think I was a completely different person. 

4. How did you find the transition to a fit and active lifestyle?

Challenging. But nothing worth having is easy! I will tell anyone that the first part of your fitness journey is always the hardest because it's about setting the boundaries and disciplining yourself to live in line with a healthy routine. Turning away from the biscuit shelves in Tesco and taking a wander down the fruit aisle. Going out for a run rather than slouching about on Facebook all day. It sounds like really hard work, and will be hard work, to start with, but once you get into the lifestyle and routine it's so easy and you won't even think about going back to your own ways. You will feel such a positive change in yourself and so much more light, energetic and happy. Just ride through the first three weeks and you won't regret it. 


5. Would you ever consider being a personal trainer?

I have considered it because I love motivating people and helping them reach their goals, and I saw the success of my Dad when he was a personal trainer which is really inspiring. But, my dream first and foremost is to be a primary school teacher and work up to working in the Department for Education in policy. 

6. I've always wanted to start boxing as a competitive sport but am scared about the actual fighting. Advice?

I will always recommend boxing as a sport. It is completely normal to feel nervous before stepping into the ring, whether you're sparring or entering the ring for a competitive fight. What you're doing is potentially dangerous and someone can get hurt (I'm not saying that to put you off, we all know it's true!). For that reason EVERYONE gets nervous. Learn breathing techniques to control your nerves, start sparring and you will get more confident. 



7 What kind of thing do you do at a boxing training session?

It depends if you go to 1-2-1 or group sessions. I try and get a 1-2-1 as and when I can at my club and I'm also fortunate enough to have someone who's become a good friend help out at my local gym and work on different techniques, areas for improvement etc. At an average boxing training session though you'll do an independent warm up for five or ten minutes (skipping or bag work), then a group warm-up, then you'll spend a majority of the session working on boxing technique, you might get called to do some 1-2-1 pad work with the coach, then you'll finish with fitness for about 15 minutes. I will be doing a more detailed post about boxing training soon so keep your eyes peeled.

8. What is the usual reaction you get from men when they find out you do boxing?

There's three usual reactions. They either patronise you and attempt to question your ability and knowledge (which is quite infuriating, particularly when they know nothing about the sport themselves), they find it attractive, or they just don't really seem phased and just give you the 'good for you, good luck with it' reaction and support you. I prefer the third response personally because you don't want to start getting show-y about it. Don't do boxing for the men, do it for the sport!



9. What is your favourite healthy meal? I'm struggling to eat anything healthy because it's so cold at this time of year and it's too cold to be eating salads!

There are so many options. I personally love a stir fry and have them with or without noodles. You can change stir fries up with the vegetables you put in, what meats you use and it's essentially just like a healthy Chinese takeaway! There are so many healthy options for around Winter. Stews, casseroles, stir fries, roasted vegetables....the list goes on. Just go on Pinterest and you will find loads of ideas.

10. Would you ever consider going vegetarian?

To be honest I don't think I'd struggle that much as I've tried a lot of vegetarian alternatives to things. If I have a takeaway I always have a vegetarian pizza, I'm not one for really meaty dishes. I have to be in the mood for stuff like steaks and red meats. Not even that fond of bacon to be honest. But I still like to have chicken when I can and do love a Nando's! I think cutting the amount of meat you have out of your diet (especially red meats) is a really good tool for weight loss, speaking from my own experience, and it broadens your palate so much as you get to try so many different dishes. Vegetarian, I could do. Vegan is just a no! I think I'd really struggle.

-------------------

Thank you so much for reading this post! I hope you stick around for more and get some motivation out of this blog. Make sure to follow now so you don't miss a thing and I will be writing the next post as you read this, so keep your eyes peeled!