I used to be really fit, and then life got in the way!  I gained more and more weight, until I hit almost 21 stones.  My diet was shocking, and I was super-unfit. My resting heart rate was nearing 90bpm and I knew that I had to do something about my fitness, weight and general health.

The problem is – I get bored easily.  I joined a couple of gyms, you know the ones – 50 treadmills, 50 bikes, fancy heart rate monitors and staff who cared about nothing apart from their wage packets.  I got myself on the treadmills, ran a bit, did a few weights and went home.  Then I went back the night after, same routine, same machines, etc. Keep fit for me was a chore.

Needless to say, I got bored.  I stopped going, and put on the couple of pounds that it had taken me over a month to lose.  Then I wondered about boxing.  It’s a sport I’ve always enjoyed watching, but was it something I could do myself just to keep fit? The only way to find out was to try it, so I searched online and found Elite in Bolton.  After looking at their website, and sending an email enquiry, I was offered a free lesson.

I was nervous at first.  I didn’t know anyone at the gym, had never boxed before in my life, was very overweight and hideously unfit.  I still remember walking up the steps to the door, wondering ‘Should I really go through with this…am I going to get laughed at….will the coaches make me feel inferior?’  I had absolutely no need to worry. I met the coaches, had my free session and signed up straight after, knowing that they could get me fit again…and they did.

I shed a stone in my first month, and have lost over three stones in total, and six inches from around my waist.  My resting heart rate is now 54 and I’m enjoying learning how to box.  The diet advice is excellent and the tuition is second to none. The coaches are very encouraging and motivational, and every single one of them knows their stuff.  On top of that, the other members are great too.  They worked with me and encouraged me, and made me feel very welcome.

Joining Elite Boxing is easily the best decision I’ve made in about a decade.  I feel so much stronger, fitter and healthier than I did before, and it makes a huge difference in my everyday life too, because I am more alert and active.  I can’t recommend this place enough. The combination of coaches is perfect.  I get a different workout every time, and it’s a great atmosphere. It’s like having a personal trainer. I never thought I’d actually enjoy getting fit!

If you’re considering whether or not to try it out, it is a must.  There is no way you should even look around another gym before you try your free lesson at Elite Boxing whether it’s just to keep fir or to learn to box everyone is accommodated .

Danny Harper

Secondary School teacher