Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that’s in rhythm or you’re in trouble — Sugar Ray Robinson.

This quote is beautiful. It’s true of boxing but also true of life. Rhythm is everything. When life is good our days have a natural flow. We’re in tune with ourselves and surroundings and routine. In tune with our breathing, our heartbeat. Without sounding like a Karate Kid film, things are usually better when not forced. When they have rhythm.

It’s also frames my outlook on training. There’s a place for everything. The no pain, no gain mantra is popular. It will get results. But is it a viable long term life choice? High intensity beastings that flog you to the end of exhaustion — are they good for you in the long run? Different strokes for different folks. To me, they’re crash diets: short term results, hard to sustain.

I prefer consistency. And enjoyment. Something you can build into your weekly life that you don’t dread or look at as a penance. Wouldn’t it be better to look forward to our training?

Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing better than an endorphin rush after a good workout. But I always trained better when a coach or team mates inspired me to be better. I loved sessions when I was learning. Feeling a new skill dropping into place, oiled and grooved. It’s an incredible feeling.

Having somebody screaming in your face might work for some, but it was never my thing. I was there because I wanted to be. Because I wanted to improve. If your heart’s not in it then what’s the point?

As the great Sugar Ray said, boxing depends on rhythm. Great boxers have balance – shifting their body weight to throw the correct shots. They’re relaxed and glide over the canvas. Friction is the boxer’s enemy.

Training and preparation depends on routine — perfecting technique, drills, shadow boxing, skipping. You may be working up a sweat but it’s meditative. You can switch off and zone out. It’s something you can depend on – when you’re stressed or uptight. When you need that little time for yourself.

There’s something comforting about routine. Dropping into familiar patterns. The beauty of boxing training is this: you can take up the stance and start moving. It’s like meeting an old friend. But there is always something new to learn and ways to improve what you do. There’s always something there that has you banging on the gym door wanting to be in. Not dreading it like a punishment.