Baby Boomer Fight Club participant finds more confidence, improved health

Louise Ronald will never climb into the boxing ring to face an actual opponent. But thanks to the Baby Boomer Fight Club, this retiree is enjoying her best health in more than 20 years.

Louise was looking for ways to get more exercise after retiring from her job in the newsroom at the Palladium-Item in Richmond. When she came across a notice about the fight club on the Reid Health website in early 2016, her first thought was, "That sounds fun."

Which is kind of surprising for someone who never considered herself an athlete. But somehow Louise knew this boxing-inspired class was for her, and she was right! "I have been in exercise groups before and always felt self-conscious," she explained. "But this one is different. We are all over 60 years old and have problems with our knees or hips or blood pressure. The atmosphere is very supportive. Everybody just does the best they can."

Classes include cardiovascular conditioning and boxing drills (never actual boxing). Certified athletic trainers provide training and instruction ensuring everyone is using proper form and safe technique. "I didn't realize how many skills boxing involved and we've barely scratched the surface," Louise said. "The instructors have a real sense of humor and are always reminding us how far we've come."

And in Louise's case that's pretty far. "I was never an athlete—never—so this is all new to me," she said. "I've increased my stamina, core strength, and balance and even brought down my blood pressure. I think what amazes me most is how boxing has increased my confidence and awareness of my body."

Throwing punches is pretty fun, too. "I always considered myself a pacifist," says Louise. "But it turns out I really like hitting the punching bag. I get rid of a lot of aggression I didn't even know I had!"

Give the Fight Club a Try!

Baby Boomer Fight Club is designed for people ages 60 and up who are looking for a different type of exercise. The non-contact class uses boxing-inspired exercise to work on strength, agility, balance, cardiovascular fitness, and bone density and includes mental challenges associated with learning a new activity.

Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Reid Rehab Center 2021 Chester Blvd. in Richmond. Cost is only $25/month! Call (765) 983-3092 to register.