HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — In Highland Heights, aspiring boxers can get their gloves on and hit the heavy bag as part of a high-energy fitness class.
“TITLE Boxing Club is an authentic full-body workout on the heavy bag. It is designed to build your fitness, control your breathing and clear your mind, all in a non-intimidating setting,” said Heather Lelonis, regional manager with TITLE Boxing Club Highland Heights and Strongsville. “Anybody ages 12 and up can come into our clubs and take a class, learn the boxer skills, while keeping your face looking lovely and be able to hit something.”
With guidance from a coach, boxers will participate in classes that include a warm up, multiple rounds on the bag, active recovery and a core strength section.
Lelonis said boxing can serve as a great stress reliever, while helping people find a sense of community.
“People have so many reasons to be here,” she said. “Stress, they’ve gone through divorce, you’ve had cancer, we have kids who have been bullied, things like that. We have a lot of different people come in here for different reasons, and it’s just that aspect, again -- the community feel is really what keeps people coming and what draws people in to bring their friends and bring their family to try this workout."
While boxing may seem intimidating at first, Lelonis said they offer a free trial class to get 30 minutes of one-on-one time with the staff before class begins in order to go through the different punches and help newcomers wrap their hands.
“Just keep hitting the bag and have fun, we’ll fix you, don’t worry about it,” Lelonis said.
Lelonis said she’ll be watching the Olympics, and said it’s exciting when people get to know the sport.
“It’s very exciting when boxing becomes somebody’s passion and their love, and it expands,” she said.
For more on TITLE Boxing Club, including how to find a club and sign up for classes, click here.