THE ULTIMATE WORKOUT

It’s been around 20 years since I fought as an amateur boxer and, until a few weeks ago, it was more than 15 years since I had sparred.

As a personal trainer with a boxing background, I always go on about the benefits of the sport: the conditioning, the coordination, the confidence. But I gloss over the actual exchange of punches. When I have clients “spar” they only play shoulder tag. It feels safer for everyone.

Recently, I was reminded of the value of a punch in the face.

A stock photo of some guys pretending to spar

I do the odd session at gyms in the area to see what’s on offer and keep myself in shape. At City Gym, in Darlinghurst, there is a range of boxing classes to suit boxers of every level. I could only make the “Fight Team” evening session – a class with partner drills and technical sparring that called for 16-ounce gloves and mouthguards.

I felt 13 again the day I went along, buying a mouthguard, dropping it in a cup of hot water before moulding it to my teeth. I was actually nervous heading into the gym.

It ended up being a great class, run by professional boxer and coach Ben Savva. After warming up on the ropes and some mobility work, we moved on to partner drills.

We started with tagging shoulders and knees, then tapping on the head, and working in feints. It led up to the technical sparring – no headgear or heavy hits. I caught my body tensing up as I grinned nervously. It took focus to relax my breathing. I was a novice again.

I sparred a mix of people, from experienced boxers to less-polished office workers. There was no ego or malice but enough competition. I copped more than a couple of punches in the face, squashing my nose and watering my eyes rather than rattling my brain.

And strange to say, I loved it. Some people meditate to take away their worries. For me, boxing does that. While padwork is great, sparring takes it to another level. As you face off with an opponent, there are no other worries in the world. Every sense is sharpened. If you can’t sit in the moment, you’re wearing a straight right or a left hook.

I finished the session exhausted and exhilarated. The following day, I was sore but satisfied.

It is easy to forget what we’re capable of and what our bodies are made for. I’d been given a valuable reminder of my strengths and vulnerabilities. I’m not about to return to the ring, but I can’t wait to make it along to another sparring session.