BENEFITS OF BOXING

HEALTH: THE BENEFITS OF BOXING - CONTENDERS TRAINING STUDIO

Contributed by: Dave and Co.

This post is about a
a PERSON:  Kevin Reynolds, professional boxer, number one ranked cruiser-weight in Canada
a PLACE:  Contenders Training Studio
and a THING:  Training all levels to promote fitness and long term health


Bottom Line:  Sometimes it ain't pretty.  But every time it's worth it.

I have been going to Contenders Training Studio for about 8 years.  Located in Bentall 4 in Vancouver, The owners Kevin Reynolds and Richard Pelcz have a magic potion brewing in that gym.  They train beginners to professionals and it's seemingly all the rage amongst downtown professionals.


I try to go at least twice a week to break up the corporate day.  During the lunch hour "Training Camp Classes" take place and the attendees are predominantly business men and women who have a bunch of capital letters after their names.  The classes are usually jam-packed and high energy.


The lunch hour classes are focused either on lower body, core, upper body etc. and beginner classes are offered mornings, evenings, and weekends.   Having said that, anyone in good physical shape can go to any of the noon hour classes.  Kevin and his comrades will push you to the limits but respect your boundaries.  At contenders, they do realize we all have varied physical abilities and their broad vision is to bring the benefits and surefire results of boxing to the masses in a fun, focused and casual environment.


In general the complex nature of boxing helps you condition most major muscle groups in the body and the intensity / calorie burning increases over time.  It's truly a great cardiovascular and toning workout.  I even drag my wife along sometimes.  She likes to go... no really she does.  Here's a picture of me in all my punching glory courtesy of Kevin:

Contenders' owners Kevin and Richard also give back. Big time.  Every year they run a "White Collar Fight Night" which raises money for Athletes For Kids which provides funding for disadvantage youth in Vancouver so that they may have access to organised sport.  So far they have raised over $100,000.00 with these successful and anticipated events.  That's substantial and impressive.

Check out www.contenders.ca and tell 'em Dave sent you. You won't be sorry... maybe a little bit, but it's all good!  They are "ALWAYS IN YOUR CORNER!"

BACKYARD PLAYGROUND - MOUNT SEYMOUR

BACKCOUNTRY SNOWSHOEING

Contributed by: Elaine

While I would be the first to admit that my backcountry experience was not as intense as the likes of Dave's Sol Mountain experience, it was an adventure nonetheless.  The trail was a bit of a grind, but well worth it because we were rewarded with breath-taking views.  Snowshoeing on Seymour was the perfect way to enjoy the snow within proximity to the city.

This FREE Mount Seymour snowshoe trail is well marked and takes about 3 hours round trip.  There are three peaks that you can hike to.  Our apex was peak 2, about 1400 metres.  The views from this point were pristine and amazing.  You can continue on the trail to peak 3 if you have the energy for it! 

Here is a picture of one of the steeper parts of the trail which helped us earn our "apres snowshoe" treats:

While the National Parks Board rates this trail "difficult," we didn't find it to be too tough.  It was a good workout though and I reckon that varied weather conditions would play a part on how hard the hike would be.

things to note:
-SNOWSHOES:  you can either rent at Seymour or a place like MEC for $12 a day.

-Some snowboarders took advantage of the steepness and lugged their boards up to ride down

-There is lots of parking - all of Lot #5 is designated for snowshoers (although early arrival is recommended.)

-Four-legged friends allowed!
-check your weather

More trail information can be found here.  Happy Snowshoeing!