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“I looked him in the eyes, I engaged my abs (yes, it helps), I sucked up some air, I punched like a chicken.” The account of our Everywoman that tried out boxing at Fighterfit!

Thanks to the Hampstead Everyman for the ticket to Fighterfit. I would normally clock watch if I was in the gym for 2 hours, which is the length of the class, but at the end of the session at Fighterfit I was ready for more and wondered where the time went! The class is divided into 30 sections of 3 minutes each - you work your way through the sections which are clearly titled things like: Punch Bag, Shadow Boxing, Abs Workout. As a first timer I was given an induction and shown the safe, correct technique of boxing, the basics of how to stand and how to punch. It's a mixed class and there were other women and men in exactly the same position as me who were encouraged by the instructors throughout the session. There were also some impressive regulars, but the structure of the class is flexible enough for all abilities. You are encouraged to work at your own pace and there are trainers on hand who help you throughout the class. When I first arrived I was nervous and told the instructor who was strapping up my hands ready for the class "I can’t punch". "We don’t use words like that here. You can do it". Surprisingly, for someone who has the upper body strength of an inebriated child, I could. I can punch an inanimate object like nobodies business and in shadow boxing I excelled, I think. When it came for my 3 minutes in the ring I was ready to put all the things I'd learnt into practice but I just didn’t feel able to wack my partner with a swift jab, or any other type of punch. One of the regular men volunteered to swap with Karen thinking I might feel more comfortable hitting a man who is experienced in the ring. But that made no difference either, I didn’t want to hurt him, he seemed like a really nice chap. I'd just seen Death Proof the night before, I'd like to be like those ladies, I tried. I looked him in the eyes, I engaged my abs (yes, it helps), I sucked up some air, I punched like a chicken. Maybe next time. It was funny, at least.

I go the gym regularly but I rarely have as much fun as I did at Fighter Fit - also I have never seen steam rising off someone's back before. Obviously you should not go to the class for this reason alone, but as an indicator of what sort of work out you can get, I use it as a unique and highly impressive example. I saw it in the cool down and stretch section at the end of the class. It made me want to work out harder so that I could create steam. Whether I'll ever enjoy punching someone I'm not sure. But for £8 a class I would recommend the experience to everyone.

Find Fighterfit boxing training at the Lion Gym, Pitfield Street, N1. www.fighterfit.com

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