Shruti

When your glove hits the bag or another mitt and makes that cracking sound, there's nothing like it! 💥 Shruti gets that. #3rdstreettribe

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I was looking for a challenging yet fun workout. I tried every boxing gym in the city and loved the vibe and the crew at 3rd street!”

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“I get bored really quickly but I’ve never gotten bored with boxing - it makes me feel stronger and tougher. Plus, I really like the sound of the glove hitting the bag / another mitt.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

“Show up and ask for help if you need it!”

Kevin

Kevin: bartender turned boxer turned one of our favorite dedicated faces in the midmorning classes! 😄 #3rdstreettribe

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I was lucky enough to get to participate in a program called BBO (Bartender Boxing Organization) where 12 bartenders in SF trained 3 months for a fight. 3rd street boxing gym was the gym that we held our training at 3x a week.”

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“I got into boxing intially to jump start my workout routine, I also was turning 40 last year and wanted something different. I've always been active and going to the gym, but the workouts were not satisfying and I wasn't having the results I wanted. I heard boxing is an incredible workout and I felt the commitment with other bartenders was a good route to go. I got to change my diet (which was huge) and found boxing to be insanely rewarding and everything I wanted in a workout. I train to keep balance in the industry I work in. It's my outlet for energy, but also stress. Being a bartender and an owner of my own bar carries a lot of stress and late/long hours. Eating wrong and being around alcohol all the time can lead to a very unhealthy life style. Boxing allows me to stay in great shape and allows me to have energy to get through the day.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

“Have patience and commit. Create a routine and a diet that works for you. Everyone goes through the same hardships when training to get in shape. It's not automatic, so know your limits and put the time in.”

Maria

Like Maria, a lot of folks start boxing looking to relieve stress. Then they get hooked! 👊 #3rdstreettribe

How did you get into boxing and how did you find yourself at 3rd Street?

“I got into boxing 15 years ago. I was going through a lot of stress in my life and I saw some classes for boxing through another gym. I thought, ‘what a great way to relieve stress!’ I started at Crunch and then started looking for a boxing gym. I met Paul and Simon in 2004 and never looked back.”

What's the best part about boxing? Why do you train?

“I used to dance in high school and college and up to that point I had been doing dance classes and kickboxing classes. Boxing is similar to dancing: coordination, hand-eye coordination, cardio aspect, different sequences, etc. You have to use your brain, think about what you're doing and not just zoning out like you can do with running. You actually acquire skills that you would not get from just weight training and/or running. Additionally, boxing is so empowering, not to mention the great results of improved stamina, improved skill set, better physique and also a camaraderie with your partners.”

Any words of advice or encouragement for newbies?

"Try a few classes with conditioning. Give it at least 2x week and the numbers will eventually make sense. You will also start seeing results pretty quickly in terms of getting toned and getting the movements down. Also, it's all about form and doing it right, so don't rush it. After 15 years, I am still learning new things with my form. Tough Love is unique in that the conditioning in that class is pretty intensive. You feel so good about yourself afterward!”