'Boxing is about fitness and building upper body strength — but it’s also a great stress buster'

Amanda Cassidy says she had 'muscle pain in places I never knew I even had muscles' after her first boxing class.

I needed some inspiration for exercise after I hurt my calf skiing so when I heard there was a new boxing class at my local gym I jumped at the chance to inquire about what that involved. Suffice to say that day one was a complete write-off. 

I had muscle pain in places I never knew I even had muscles. Happily, I didn’t suffer alone as my husband came along and took part too. 

Many boxing sequences involve having a partner, so we took turns swapping over the boxing pads or ducking as the other one swiped.

What I love about this class is that it is about fitness and building on your upper body strength but it’s also a great stress buster. 

We also have great fun together, collapsing into a sweaty heap at the café afterwards, exhausted but buzzing, with that high that only comes from vigorous exercise. 

Amanda Cassidy. Picture: Moya Nolan

Within a few weeks, my arms were stronger, and now that my calf has improved, I can step things up with my footwork.

For those thinking of taking up boxing, do not underestimate how much of a full-body workout it can be. 

We’ve never gone into the ring yet. For now, it’s about boxing mainly against punchbags, doing sequences, and working against the pads. 

I was surprised by how many other women in their 40s were in the class. It’s also a great way to relieve any tension you may have built up during the week.

I now attend my class twice a week. It’s an hour of (exhausted) joy where I think about absolutely nothing while building my fitness. I hope to continue it throughout the year and have even signed up for a charity match later in the summer.