In boxing, we train to go the distance with sustainable energy while performing at high levels.
Talent and strength can only take you so far when facing a durable, tough, and well-prepared opponent.
I believe the same principle applies to active aging and life in general. Sometimes, our toughest adversary is ourselves when attempting to align our behavior with the daily decisions that ultimately inform our quality of life.
As a former competitive boxer and a long-time personal trainer assisting clients with their fitness and lifestyle goals, I understand that people often have good intentions when striving for lifelong fitness and reaching specific goals.
However, just like talent and strength are sometimes not enough in the boxing ring, intentions alone are insufficient for maintaining long-term health and well-being.
So how can boxing analogies help you help your clients devise a game plan to train to go the distance while winning the fight?
Well, boxing, with its dynamic movements, strategic approach to training and mental focus, provides an interesting perspective on what it can mean for to think like a fighter to live as a Champion.
1) Train hard - fight easy
When preparing for competition, boxers enter training camp for the purpose of removing distractions while developing focus. Boxers want to see all they need to see in training so that there are no surprises on the day of competition.
Training hard also means training smart so that the actual fighting part is easy, fun and effective.
Staying injury-free is another great reason to train smart and is crucial for optimal performance at the sound of the bell. As entrepreneurs and fitness professionals, we understand the negative impacts that burnout can have on our own business and personal health. If this is true for us, then it also must be true for our clients.
How can we demonstrate balancing hard work and smart training so that we lead by example round after round?
2) Fitness wins fights.
When facing a tough opponent, it’s important for a boxer to understand their own strengths and limitations. They say styles make fights, and every athlete brings their own unique personality into the ring, but time and time again, we’ve seen how fitness beats toughness in the longevity game every time. One thing I think we can all agree on is that no matter what your style or strength is, we can all improve our chances of winning this fight we call life by doing our best to make better choices that add up to bigger returns when it comes to sustainable energy that leads to a better quality of life.
3) Defense used as offense.
Just as boxers use defensive techniques to protect themselves from punches, they also need to devise their own boundaries to recognize when the dangers of overworking and overtraining threatens their ability to perform at their best, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.
Prioritizing our health is crucial for active aging. This includes maintaining a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying socially connected. By taking proactive measures to safeguard our well-being, we can ensure our time is well spent by investing in behaviors that support active ageing as opposed to having to counteract illness and injury when we put our guard down.
4) In the corner.
Sometimes in life, just like in boxing, it’s difficult to see what is happening right in front of us. We are too close to the action and overly invested in the desired outcome to make the right decisions for that exact moment. Boxers are trained to rely on instinct: they are also acutely aware of the need for ongoing coaching and the ability to adapt within the chaos.
In between rounds, boxers sit on the stool not only to rest, but also to reassess the game plan with their trusted coach observing from the corner. Boxers know what it takes to win by remaining open to feedback, being coachable and always coming out of the corner with renewed energy for what’s possible with the right information and inspiration.
Who is in your corner in this game of life and how are they helping you maintain healthy perspective on what active ageing can look like for you and ultimately, your clients?
By embracing the lessons of boxing – training smart, focusing on developing sustainable energy, using defense as offense, adaptability, resilience, and self-care – both you and your clients can lead fulfilling and active lives for a very long time.
Just as boxers train tirelessly to achieve greatness, individuals can embrace the principles of boxing to thrive as they age. So, put your dukes up and step through the ropes to embody the journey of active aging like a determined boxer with a winning game plan!
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