All ages train together in the sweet science!
It’s no secret that boxing is a great workout.
For professional prizefighters, if they are not in peak form come fight night, they will certainly pay the price in the ring. But for amateur boxers or casual fans who want to stay in shape–or get in shape–the sweet science encompasses all the tools to teach you strength and conditioning skills while providing a challenging and fun workout. As they say: Sissies need not apply! Boxing has proven itself to be one of the toughest sports around. And as they also say, “You don’t ‘play’ boxing. You box.”
I recently visited with the Burbank Boxing Club to check out what’s new with the young guns that train there. Headed by Coach Steve Harpst, the club members are of all ages and levels, all shapes and sizes, both male and female. Some have aspirations of going pro, others compete in amateur shows and tournaments to hone their talent, and several box just to stay strong and fit.
Many of the original club members now have children of their own, who have also taken to lacing up and learning how to box. There are father and son duos hitting the bags side by side, parents who work out along with their children, and whole families that all train together as one unit. During the class, there are group workouts with plenty of time to work on individual skills as well. The training focuses on jumprope, shadow boxing, mitt work, speed bag, heavy bags and more in an optimum workout that can really whip you into shape. And boxing also helps battle back against child obesity, which remains an ongoing problem and widespread issue in the U.S.
The club was founded 14 years ago by Harpst, a former amateur fighter and current sculptor of boxing bronzes. In August, he was also named “Best Fitness Instructor” in the City of Burbank. This was the eighth time he has won that distinction; he’s proud to see how the club has grown through the years with many past members keeping in touch and popping in for a visit every so often. Steve has witnessed hundreds upon hundreds of positive changes (both physical and mental) that boxing brings out in the countless warriors he had trained. “Boxing encourages strength, stamina, self-confidence and 
discipline,” he says. “I’ve seen how training helps these athletes, and even those who have never worked out before, to get in better shape and most importantly to stay fit and healthier in the process!”
During my visit, Coach Harpst unveiled some brand new boxing gloves for everyone to try out. The club hosts many fundraisers, like raffles, celebrity visits, and even their own amateur show, with donations used to purchase new equipment for the non-profit boxing club.
Tonight the kids and adults were going to be breaking in a couple pairs of Everlast Elite Protex 2 Training Gloves. These 16 ounce gloves are one of the company’s best-selling pairs and the club members were excited to test out the bright and shiny black gloves.
One by one, the children, men and women tried on the gloves during the two and a half hour workout. The littlest kids actually smelled the gloves, taking delight in the not-yet-worn equipment. In a large boxing club such as this, the “community” boxing bins are shared by all; the equipment gets worn down by normal wear and tear, and laden down by sweat through the hours put in by the boxers. So the kids really took notice of these not-yet “stinky” gloves!
And for added inspiration, I noticed the new mitts have a special message of “Greatness is Within” printed inside the gloves above the palm area. These gloves are known to provide protection along with a comfortable fit, which is exactly what all the boxers said after using them on the bags and in the ring.
An integral part of the club, the Lopez family is a pure and loyal boxing family. David and Angie train with sons David and Damien, and the parents also step in as co-trainers of the boxing club too. David Sr. took to the bags with the new gloves. “These are really good,” he commented between rounds. “They feel nice and they fit good. I think they’ll be great for the 
heavy bag and mitts.”
Wife Angie keeps her swimsuit model figure intact through pugilism. The svelte young woman put the gloves on as she worked with Coach Harpst in the ring. After her workout, she assessed, “I liked using these Everlasts. I can already feel the support and I love the cushion of the thumb area. I like the smooth feel too; they glide right on.”
I even joined the children in the “kiddie area” of the gym to test the gloves out for myself. They are super comfortable and did fit all sizes of hands. They also proved to work well with all level of fighters too. But before I can get too cozy with these new boxing gloves, the kids all clamor for their turn with them. Even the littlest guy nicknamed “Jedi” wants his time with the gloves. He practices his pose for the camera, complete with a serious game face. He’ll have to grow into the 16 ounce gloves but he still has a good time punching with them as his father trains alongside the boy. “Jedi” already loves boxing and has taken to it with a natural ease.
And it’s no secret I love boxing too.
And I also always give full admiration and respect to every boxer, either amateur or pro, that steps inside the ropes because it is such a skilled discipline. If you think boxing is easy, try it someday. The kids and adults of the Burbank Boxing Club already know it is not an easy sport. But just like me, they truly love the sweet science.
See you at the fights (or in the gym)!
For glove info or any other Boxing Equipment visit www.boxingdepot.com
Photos by Michele Chong
