Gill South puts hand in glove to learn the ropes at David Tua's former training hangout.
I arrive at Ringside Boxing Gym, next to Les Mills in Victoria St, the former training HQ of boxer, David Tua, according to Mark Michaels, the personal trainer who owns the place.
I'm not feeling very David Tua to be honest. My nose seems to have turned a tap on and I can't seem to stop it. The woman at the pharmacist, where I bought my tissues, kept a careful distance, and hissed, "Vitamin C!" at me.
Why boxing? Various friends have done it and found it life changing. They are stronger, fitter and leaner. It is perceived as a good cardiovascular workout. My grandfather did a bit of boxing, so I'd like to think it runs in the family.
Mark says the typical boxing training session stimulates all muscle groups, and provides the perfect combination of aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (short-burst, without oxygen) exercise. When I tell Mark I might struggle with my cold, he assures me the main thing is to keep hydrated and suggests we start with the bike to get my blood pumping. It's haaaard work - especially when Mark switches it to uphill. I'm sure he thinks I'm a big jessie.
Next I do some press-ups, never my favourite exercise. I support myself with my elbows and hold for a number of seconds, keeping my belly in etc. Owww. It's like the early scenes in a movie where you see how unfit the rookie is. I collapse on my tummy a number of times. Adorable. Very Goldie Hawn.
Mark says he sees corporate types who used to be sporty (like me) and now have a low level of fitness (like me) improve their fitness through boxing.
Finally, when he's happy (or fed up with my moaning) - we begin the fun stuff.
The first thing is the feet. It's about having the right foundation, says Mark.
I am right-handed and quite right-sided so I have to lead with my left foot, but push off with my right. I ball my fists, with my thumbs protected by my knuckles and hold them under my cheekbones.
I then lead with my left fist. Then I do, what's known in boxing circles as the washing machine, pushing off with the right foot, leading with the left, then twisting on my left heel as if I'm squashing a bug, swinging my curled fist out to the left, in a fully extended straight punch, then turning the other heel, swinging to the right, all the time keeping my eyes central, facing a big mirror against the wall.
Then I do the washing machine, and this time throw three punches, known as a one-two-one, where I throw a punch with my left fist, extending my arm fully out, looking down my arm as if it's down the barrel of a rifle, then with my right and again with my left. I'm meant to be doing something with my chin but I forget what.
Quite a lot to think about. They're not so dumb, these boxers.
Next week:
I'm a big fan of essential oils though know very little about them - I would like to learn more about them and fragrant oils to help me stay healthy through winter. I talk to Jane Wilks, author of The Essence of Living Simply to find out more.
