Junkies. It's safe to say that's what we have become. Ruthlessly addicted. No discrimination. Eternally chasing that next big endorphin rush.
Our hunt brought us to The Big Hit. A downtown Oakville boxing studio that sends your heart rate into an elevated zone and shifts your body into conditioning mode. It's like you can hear your muscles screaming for mercy, but your ass is too busy getting kicked to offer any.
Set up to look like a New York Boxing gym, the Big Hit in Oakville was uncomplicated and non-intimidating. As soon as our feet hit the mats, we knew we were in for an ass whooping, and we were so ridiculously excited to get it on.
BOB. That's the name of the guy whose butt we kicked. Dressed in a wife beater (the irony was not lost on us), and motionless, BOB just stood there and allowed us to pummel him over and over again. Just like a typical man, he thought he could take us, but then realized that he didn't stand a chance against the Lebanese / Columbian thunder. That's pretty much the only downside to boxing- the massive ego you get when you finish a class. The bad-assness you possess when you're done.
In an endless sea of BOBs and Bobby's, our instructor (Bobby) took the time to walk around, teach us how to pivot, jab, cross, and let it all out. We walked in amateurs and walked out, well, slightly elevated amateurs with MUCH BIGGER EGOs.
Bobby and his exhilarating class, coupled with the excruciating arm and back muscle pain we felt the next day left us begging for more. Class #2: Kristy. Her intensity was fierce and her ability to pull it all out of you had us running out to the car after class with a power that made us think we could flip cars or climb buildings. We weren't just 2 girls and a blog anymore... we were 2 girls, a blog, boxing gloves, and a spirit that couldn't be tamed.
There's something to be said about the rush you get after you have just correctly executed a combo that consists of upper cuts, jabs, kicks, and crosses. The pounding of your heart and the thumping of the welts you offer BOB is quite empowering and freeing. You channel an inner strength and a furious capacity to dig deeper than you ever thought possible, and it feels unbelievably amazing. Doing all of this in a setting such as The Big Hit makes it even more attainable. No judgement. No one even has the time to look at you because they are too busy perfecting their own combos. It's like you have the whole gym, instructor and all, to yourself. Having a friend to laugh at (not with) is a huge bonus.
If you're looking for that perfect compliment to your existing gym routine, or if you want to try something fun and new, boxing is for you! The Big Hit offers a variety of classes so things don't get repetitive. The staff is phenomenal and the ease of starting fresh is encouraging. Whether you've been a gym rat for years, or whether you just want to let off some steam and try something new, we think boxing is a fantabulous idea to shake (or beat) things up.
Find out more about The Big Hit and a studio near you at https://bighit.ca/
@_peonyphotography, your abilities are, as always, MIND BLOWING.