Boxing at Elorde

I've observed a drastic change in my friend's figure after taking up boxing for a couple of months. Being asthmatic, she claims boxing has also improved her strength and stamina. An ex officemate also recommended it as the best exercise to trim down my bulky mid section. (wtf girl!) I figured boxing is a way to release stress and all angst and getting fit at the same time. Elorde boxing at Julia Vargas Ave., just beside Home Depot is the nearest fitness place and haven to boxing enthusiasts. The annual membership fee is P1,000 and P 200 per session. If you opt not to pay for membership, you have to pay P350 per session. This is a one-on-one training. If you are unsure about enrolling, you can try out one session. You fill up a form about yourself, indicating any health concerns. I don't think the trainers read your file though. Since my only form of exercise is walking to SM Megamall or walking nonstop inside the mall, my first boxing session was quite a shock. My trainer was too enthusiastic and too eager to find out how far I can go. The first few minutes were for warm ups. Stretching exercises etc. (Ok I was panting & catching my breath doing the jumping jacks). Then the footwork and punches. I never knew there's a method to this, just thought you just jab at the opponent anyway you can. I'm sort of good at choreography thus was able to get the movements quickly, then we were off to the ring. (Inaaaay!) But surprisingly I did love the punching. Love the contact of the sport. After a while we tried the huge punching bags. I was thrown off a bit from the weight. (Bigat pala pare!) The speedball was even harder. Of course nobody there expects you to be a pro on your first day. My trainer would always ask, "kaya mo pa?". Ako naman, yup! And he was giving me that look.. ah ganun kaya pala ha. I was subjected to more torture with 3 sets of 3 minutes each with the jumping rope. Then the most dreaded situps and abdominal exercises. Yes, I bought 2 boxes of salompas that weekend and I smelled of eucalyptus all day. It was the place to wear your most comfortable outfit. This is not fitness first where the place smells like perfume and cologne, and people wearing expensive gym outfits. This is going down and dirty. Hahaha! But is it worth it? Yes. Never mind that the place has no airconditioning. That once you step in inside, the place has the temperature resemblance of a sauna. Never mind that it is a long 15 minutes walk from my office. Never mind that you get the feel of JayJ's kitchen exhaust pipes when you go up and down the stairs from Elorde's main entrance. Yup it's worth it.
(Thanks Roly!!!)