Aspire coaches leading free boxing-themed fitness sessions

Coaches at Aspire ABC are hoping to inspire women and girls of all ages to keep fit during the Coronavirus Pandemic with a series of free, boxing-themed workout sessions.

They want to help provide motivation and a sense of routine for females at a time when COVID-19 restrictions have once again been tightened.

The ‘Lockdown Ladies’ sessions are taking place in open spaces, community halls and, from this Saturday (3rd October) online via Zoom. They are delivered by Sharon Holford and Shereen Hutton.

The idea came after the club was inundated with requests to train in one-on-one sessions at a point where numbers who can access the gym are limited.

Aspire Boxing Club has managed  to respond to the request of the women who have stated that they have found lockdown really tough,” said Head Coach, Ronny Tucker.

“Women told us that they felt that they were lacking routine, which in turn was impacting on their mental health,  and this gave us the idea for the Lockdown Ladies sessions, which have so far been really successful. Taking them online allows us to increase the numbers.”

The ‘Lockdown Ladies – Online Bootcamp’ is to run every Saturday morning from 9.30am for 10 weeks, starting from this Saturday until 5th December.

They are for females of any age and ability and will last between 30 and 45 minutes, with all training adaptable so the participant can take part at whatever level they feel comfortable.

The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment and will, in some cases, feature household items to use as exercise aids, rather than traditional weights, skipping ropes and other accessories.

“With more COVID restrictions coming back in, a lot of people have resigned themselves to spending more time at home, perhaps when they thought we might be coming out of it,” said Hutton.

“A lot of women want to keep fit, but they are nervous to go back to a gym environment, even though they currently can, especially if they are older or vulnerable.

“This is a way for them to keep fit and, at the same time, stay safe at home, as well as take part in something that has a community feel and a sense of achievement.

“I’ve tried to design the majority of the sessions so that people don’t need any proper equipment. So instead of dumbbells, it will be two cans that you can get out of your kitchen cupboard and other exercises you can do using a towel.”

Hutton has previously helped Aspire run run face-to-face Punch Like A Girl bootcamps, but is delighted she will be able to welcome more participants by going online.

The sessions, both online and those in community halls and outdoors, have been made free thanks to a grant for the project from the National Lottery Community Fund.

To join in with the free sessions, click here.