The Chronicles of Alex

2, 3, 6, slip lead, 3. Cross, lead hook, rear upper cut, slip lead, lead hook. A string of numbers that meant nothing to me four weeks ago and is now my favorite combination of punches since starting to box. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I rolled up to my first boxing class at Title Boxing in Nashville. But I was pleasantly surprised! The team was energetic and ready to help me!

Of course, I knew all the basics of boxing going into my first class… punches, an occasional kick, Muhammed Ali, weight classes, and lots of sweat. That’s all it could be, right? Well, it’s sort of those things but also much more than just my list of basics. I had no idea what I was getting into – the hand wraps, the gloves, the busted knuckles despite both of those things, the laying on the mat with burning muscles in pools of sweat. 

My list of basics quickly grew to numbered punches associated with my lead and rear sides (like what are those??), hand wraps, keeping my hands up, always bouncing and moving, keeping my thumb up or sideways when punching, knee and hip rotation while throwing punches, etc… These basics all play into learning how each punch and combination feel, while technical skills build. Each time a new combination is said in class, I go through the series in slow motion trying to get my body to move as one coherent unit, something my body is not accustomed to. I am a very clumsy and uncoordinated human – the most athletic one you’ll ever meet though. 

Along with my slow practicing movements, instructors walk around demonstrating combinations and helping each person hone their technique on the bag during the 45-minute high-intensity classes. All while I sweat more than I have in years every single class. I swear. I was prepared for the physical release of boxing and moving in a way that was easier on my knee, but I had never thrown a punch before and didn’t realize how much cardio was actually required from boxing, despite seeing all the Rocky movies many times over. 

The way punches are thrown, footwork is danced, and defensive maneuvers are practiced intersect with speed, power, and mental focus to create boxing, a hobby I am really enjoying! I am no Muhammed Ali. I am the antithesis of light on one’s feet. I get tired rather quickly, and it is more than difficult to keep my hands up or put power into punches after about 25 minutes of boxing. But it is a fun and comfortable atmosphere with a rewarding feeling after each session : ) 

Try something you genuinely have no clue about! Go box! 

AMS 2, 04/15/2025