Boxing training in the workplace
Last week we finished a 6-week pilot of non-contact boxing training at Engie UK. It’s an idea I’ve had kicking around for a few years: boxing training for health and well-being in the workplace. This was the first chance to test the theory. I wanted to share some of the things we’ve learned.
First of all, a big thank you to Engie and North Tyneside Council for taking a leap of faith on the pilot. They’ve been good enough to provide space, facilities and promotion. And most of all, thanks to our boxers. The success of the pilot is down to them. They are an amazing group of people. It has been a privilege to work with them.
Teamwork: developing the squad mentality
At week one we had a group of individuals. At week 6 we have a team. To see the boxers working together and developing - what I call – a ‘squad mentality’ confirmed it for me. Boxing training excels as a team builder, even in a corporate setting.
A squad mentality is the feeling that when the gym door closes, you:
know you’re with friends who have your back
can forget the outside world for a while
learn new skills in a relaxed atmosphere
work hard but enjoy a laugh
Anyone who has trained in a good boxing gym will recognise this.
We did partner and team drills every week. In partner drills, boxers helped each other with technique. In footwork drills, they took the original parameters and made them their own.
The squad mentality develops personal and team responsibility. Many of the boxers came to the sessions during their summer holiday. They ignored niggling injuries that still allowed them to train. At challenging moments, I watched them double down and push through together.
Mental toughness: taking care of business
We finished off each week with a physical and mental test in teams of four. This drill asks difficult questions. It takes your mind and body to challenging places. The team did themselves proud each week. They even set themselves new targets to aim at. They motivated and encouraged each other. To use my favourite term: they took care of business.
This is mental toughness in action and it spreads to other aspects of home and work life. It develops confidence, positivity and resilience.
De-stressing: emptying the tank
I didn’t notice any stress in the class. But I noticed how relaxed people became over time - in themselves and with each other. Technique got more languid and assured with each session. There is something liberating in moving and hitting targets. Of being in control of your balance and at one with new found skills. And there is something very special in being part of a supportive team.
Skills swap: everyone brings something
We have a great mix in the class: from interns and apprentices to senior managers. It’s been fascinating to see this blend. The sessions have given people the chance to learn new skills, but also pass on their own. We’ve got the lot: mentoring, motivation, organisation and teamwork. People have made new connections from different departments. They’ve worked hard together in a collaborative environment.
Imagine these skills and positive attributes filtering back to the workplace. For me, it's a no-brainer. It just works.
Mental and physical development: a holistic workout
As the weeks have gone by I’ve noticed an increase in fitness and stamina. I was expecting that. But the rapid increase in balance, hand/eye and hand/feet coordination has been a revelation. We worked hard on this from the start. Even in the warm up.
Box-fitness classes have their merits. I've watched a lot of them on YouTube. But in most of them I noticed a common thread: lack of technique. From the beginning we worked to get a sound boxing base. Now we're getting the rewards.
One week something caught my eye. One of the boxers was moving in and out of range by switching her boxing stance. This is an advanced technique. You don’t often see it – not even at professional level. I’ve noticed a lot of flair and natural talent like this. With these skills on board, training is now more than slogging away at pads without any thought. It elevates it to something more.
Our boxers now:
throw combinations with balance and good technique
think about hand and foot placement
concentrate on movement and balance
relax muscles to improve technique and fluidity
get creative with their own style
Collaboration: everyone gets better
The classes have gone better than I could have hoped. They’ve confirmed a lot of my initial questions, but opened my eyes to things I’d never considered. The training and development opportunities are endless.
And from a personal point of view, they've improved me as a coach. They've pushed me out of my own comfort zone. I’ve had to consider different factors. Come up with solutions to puzzles I’ve never faced before.
Early in the course I was demonstrating the jab. A lady asked me about the movement of my front foot. This was a quirk of my old boxing style. I realised that I was letting it bleed into my coaching. A definite no-no. Sloppy. I spent the next night back at my old gym working on the jab in the mirror. Within 2 weeks the class were making me up my own game.
I can’t explain how much I’ve enjoyed the pilot. And I’m more convinced than ever that boxing is a perfect tool for health and well being in the workplace.
