Two months ago Jill Wilensky of Germantown and I drove to Hadley's Boxing and Fitness in Southeast Memphis.
Peering in the windows, our eyes went from the boxing ring, to the heavy bags hanging from chains to the medicine balls on the floor. We looked at each other and said: "No way!"
After checking out the Web page (Hadleysboxing.com), I learned that Joey Hadley was the six-time Mid-South Golden Glove champ, three-time Southeastern AAU champ, United States and North American champ, and was trained as a pro by Cus D'Amato (same coach of iron Mike Tyson).
Five weeks later, we were wrapping our own hands before putting on our new boxing gloves preparing to hit the heavy bags. Jab, jab, punch, uppercut, hook, punch ... we're doing five 3-minute rounds.
While hitting the heavy bag we hear, "I don't care if you're tired. You're supposed to be tired."
Our first workout started with jumping rope (fast, both feet on the floor) for three 3-minute sessions. We were only able to last 10-20 seconds due to messing up or gasping for air. Did we really ask for jump ropes as kids for fun? Now we are up to eight 3-minute sessions, and we converse as we jump.
Despite the pain and fatigue, we keep coming back because each week we see how much stronger we've become.
When Joey first told us we would be pushing him in his car (while in neutral), Jill and I just shook our heads. Each of us can now push Joey in his car for a quarter mile. We're working up to a mile, and in our SUVs.
We love the look on people's faces that have stopped to help us and we tell them that we are paying money for the exercise.
This is the toughest workout you'll ever do.
"I didn't want to come back after the first time," Jill said. "Now I figure out how many times I can fit this into a week."
No matter what your level of fitness, what kind of workouts you've had in the past -- this will challenge you like no other.
Germantown resident Stephanie Lincoln is working to improve her health with exercise.
Jill Wilensky (left) and Stephanie Lincoln, both of Germantown, shadow box in the ring.
Lincoln fixes on a target on a heavy bag.
Wilensky (left) and Lincoln push a car across a parking lot.
Photos by Craig Collier
Wilensky makes a statement about her training program.
Gym owner Joey Hadley helps Wilensky wrap her hand before putting on the gloves.
Joey Hadley helps Lincoln with her gloves.