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Gym Class Hero – The benefits of amateur boxing
TrendLife Magazine discusses the benefits of boxing with experienced boxing trainer Andrew Blumson of AB Boxing
Boxing is a truly fantastic sport and it isn’t just for those giant beasts of men that you see on television. Boxing is a sport that everybody can participate in and that makes a huge difference.
Something that is very beneficial about the sport of boxing is that it is excellent for your cardiovascular health. One of the things that makes boxing so great for your heart is that the act of punching, any punch, forces very many of your muscles to contract at once.
The next big benefit that you can reap from boxing and training for boxing on a regular basis is that you will develop better hand-eye coordination.
The benefits of boxing go far beyond physical. Boxing is proven to help with self-confidence; not just physical confidence, mental too. It can help with balance, co-ordination, focus, anxiety and even ADHD.
AB Boxing specialises in coaching people that are new to boxing. AB Boxing is not an amateur boxing club, neither do we coach pros. Our target members are people that have never boxed before or have limited experience.
AB Boxing coaches people that want to learn how to box and get fit at the same time, on a 1-on-1 basis (or 2-on-1, 3-on-1, etc), but would rather not go to a boxing fitness class.
The misconception is that if you purely want to get fit, a “boxing fitness class” would be a better choice than a 1on1 technical boxing session, however, that isn’t entirely true.
Once you learn the technical side of boxing, you will easily burn more calories doing an hour’s boxing, than you would a fitness class.
A typical hour 1-on-1 session would comprise of around 50-mins coaching, usually broken down to 3-min rounds.
At the very beginning and presuming you haven’t boxed at any level before, you learn things such as stance, how to punch correctly, how to load punches, etc. Footwork movement comes later on, as do things such as blocking and catching punches, high-guard, slipping and rolling punches.
When a client gets to this stage, which is usually after around 6 or 7 sessions, ‘light touch sparring’ is introduced if the client wishes to step up to this level.
Our primary focus is on defence and safety. We won’t let anyone spar, at any level, until we are confident that they have at least basic defence.
When we introduce sparring, we start with non-contact, simulated sparring, which gets the members used to moving around, throwing shots, and putting what they have learned into practice.
There are numerous tricks that we use to allow the members to feel like they’re sparring, but in reality, they are ‘simulating’ sparring.
After a few weeks like this, we introduce ‘jab sparring’. This is where you can only punch with your lead hand; left in the case of an orthodox boxer and right in the case of a southpaw.
Within the technical side of boxing, there are many different types of training. If you are interested in starting your boxing journey, in a friendly, safe, no ego gym, then get in touch with Andrew or Nikki at AB Boxing.
Athlon Fitness where AB Boxing is based is an extremely friendly, welcoming gym. Ego’s are left at the door, and everyone that trains there has the utmost respect for each other.
Nestled within the historical elegance of Brocket Hall, the renowned Auberge du Lac has proudly announced a new chapter in its storied culinary journey, spearheaded by the illustrious Chef John Barber. Having reopened its doors in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, the restaurant has been infused with a fresh vigour, artfully blending tradition with cutting-edge culinary innovations.
Chef John Barber
Chef John Barber: A Maestro in the Kitchen
Chef Barber’s illustrious career, inspired by his mother’s home cooking, began at UCB College of Food and has spanned the globe, from the prestigious kitchens of the Belfry Hotel to the exotic locales of Thailand and Paris. His tenure at London’s Bar Boulud and the opening of 14 Hills with the D&D Group has seasoned him with an unrivaled expertise, making his tenure at Auberge du Lac a herald of culinary excellence.
Lucy Hawkins: Sustainability at Its Core
The heart of Auberge du Lac’s culinary philosophy is its kitchen garden, tenderly curated by Lucy Hawkins. This garden is not merely a plot of land; it is the cradle of sustainability, employing no-dig methods that enrich local biodiversity and allow for the freshest ingredients to be used directly in the kitchen. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this verdant sanctuary during the Garden Tour & Lunch events, connecting them intimately with the origins of their meals.
The Auberge Experience: A Symphony of Luxuries
Auberge du Lac doesn’t just stop at fine dining; it offers an immersive ‘Auberge Experience’ package. Priced at £420 per couple, this luxurious offering includes a cozy welcome with Champagne and chocolates, a seven-course tasting menu, an overnight stay in the stately Melbourne Lodge, and a full English breakfast at The Melbourne Club. Each of the lodge’s 16 luxury ensuite bedrooms offers a vista of the Hall, Broadwater Lake, and the golf course, making it an ideal retreat after a gourmet evening.
Access and Convenience
Just a stone’s throw from London, Auberge du Lac offers an escape into the countryside that’s both quick and easy. The journey from central London to the tranquility of Brocket Hall takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a taste of the countryside without straying far from the city’s pulse.
A Forthcoming Review
Stay tuned for an in-depth review of Auberge du Lac, where we will delve deeper into the gastronomic delights and serene ambiance that make this destination a crown jewel of culinary and leisure escapades.
Embrace the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of fine dining and bespoke luxury at Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall, where every visit promises to be more than just a meal—it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of history, taste, and lush landscapes.
On the 14th of July, the BRIT-nominated duo Jungle will host an unprecedented open-air music event at Tofte Manor, a picturesque 17th-century estate. This unique one-day festival, dubbed “Jungle Curates,” will feature a lineup exclusively selected by Jungle themselves, including some of their favorite artists, DJs, and collaborators.
Stellar Lineup in a Breathtaking Setting
The event will take place amid the stunning backdrop of Tofte Manor’s labyrinth and the surrounding rolling hills of Bedfordshire. It promises an immersive experience with bespoke production, décor, and exclusive merchandise. The lineup reflects Jungle’s significant influence on the music scene, featuring a mix of established and rising stars. Notably, BBC Radio 1 icon Annie Mac will make her Tofte Manor debut, appearing alongside Jungle. The diverse roster continues with Ross From Friends, DJ Paulette, Ahadadream, Peruvian DJ and producer Sofia Kourtesis, and London-based Mood Talk, promising a blend of house, electronica, and more.
Jungle’s Ascending Trajectory
Coming off the success of their latest album “Volcano,” Jungle has been a prominent force in the UK music scene for over a decade. Their recognition includes a recent BRIT Award nomination for “Group of the Year” and a series of sold-out performances worldwide. Their hit single “Back On 74” recently surpassed 100 million streams, and they were the first to sell out three consecutive DJ shows at Koko London in one day.
A Unique Venue with No Restrictions
Tofte Manor is set apart from other venues by its lack of restrictive sound limitations, a common issue at inner-city events. This freedom has made it a favorite spot for electronic music’s biggest names, including Keinemusik, Maribou State, Dixon, TSHA, Floating Points, and Fred Again.., among others. “Jungle Curates” marks the final event of the summer at Tofte Manor, hosted by Labyrinth Events, who have also lined up performances from Adriatique and a sold-out show with Fatboy Slim the preceding weekend.
As the day concludes, Jungle themselves will take the stage for a rare DJ set, ensuring the event not only celebrates their music but also their unique style and influence. This is set to be a highlight of this summer’s music calendar, blending historical charm with contemporary beats in a not-to-be-missed festival setting.
