Blogs

The Webster definition of a role model is: a person whose behaviour in a particular role is imitated by others.

Being a role model is a very serious and impactful job, but on the other hand, it is also an extremely rewarding and fulfilling job.   

As adults and coaches, I understand our influence on our young girls, teens and even the adult women we coach. As much as we teach the sport of boxing to improve their physical fitness and boxing skill, we are responsible for guiding them through a comprehensive healthy lifestyle which may include: nutritional advice, mental strength and fortitude, self love, and the importance of overall health to help them in their daily lives while forming habits to last a lifetime.

In 2013, Coach Kristina was introduced to the Fast & Female by her dear friend and Olympian boxer Mandy Bujold. She fell in love with all of it and shortly after became a R.E.A.L Role Model with Fast & Female – an organization whose mission is to keep girls healthy and active in sports; a mission that GJWB also embodies. Fast & Female introduces self-identified girls aged 8-14 to inspiring athlete role models at non-competitive, fun-filled events all over North America. I joined the program later in 2018. R.E.A.L Role Model refers to: Relatable, Empowered, Active Leaders.

41% of girls age 3-16 don’t participate in any sport. Without the introduction to sports, they are unaware of the benefits. Especially for girls in that age group it is vital that they are exposed to women in sport – whether these women are: athletes, coaches, sports broadcasters, officials, Olympians, nutritionists, therapists, etc – to show options for when they go grow up. There are many opportunities to be involved with sports outside of going to the Olympics and many opportunities and careers after the Olympics. Without visible women in these roles it may seem unavailable, unachievable or not even and option. You have to see one to be one.

Coach KJEM and I have been VERY lucky to partner and work on Fast & Female champ chats and other events (including virtual!) to introduce boxing to girls and help encourage them to stay in sport. Sport not only has physical benefits, but also helps young girls and teens develop the confidence, leadership and teamwork skills that are essential for life.

        Studies from Ernst & Young have found that 94% of women who hold C-suite level positions are former athletes - proving the correlation between athletics and leadership. 

Having had many opportunities to be at these events, it is extremely rewarding to see the spark in these girl’s eyes as they learn how to throw punches, have fun, make new friends, and allow us to share our personal experiences in the boxing world. I know first-hand how boxing has changed my life and I just want to encourage these girls to stay active in boxing or any sport!

In the sport of boxing specifically, we need to see more females in all areas: athletes, coaches, cut (wo)man, officials, referees, announcers, commentators, promoters, etc. There are many different path options for girls and women to stay in the sport of boxing as a career even if/when they are not competing. Without these role models we may lose these girls to another sport or career path.

As the community pillar of GJWB and Level 5 of our program, we have a network of women within the sport to assist girls with any questions, sparring, clubs, connecting with other athletes, and more. It is our goal to bridge the gap and help our community with their boxing journey - wherever it may take them! This is also something GJWB will continue to do with the ambassador program launching in 2021. Please sign up to our newsletter below to stay up to date on that program and all things GJWB.

Do you have any role models in your life? How have they influenced you through sport or general life?

In the last year, I have had 3 injuries- nothing broken, but enough to put me out for 2 months- including my most recent one to date.

I was upset and cried. I enjoy being active and having to eliminate or reduce this was difficult.

Trying to change this negative to a positive, I started to think of activities and tasks I could do while I can’t be training and wanted to share:

• Watch your old sparring and fight videos to see your progress and make note of areas you need to work on
• Using your notes of areas to work on; create an action plan for how to improve in those areas
• 5 minutes of meditation and breathing everyday to help release bad energy (even momentarily)
• Watch professional fights to observe and learn tactics, strategies and technique
• Write down 3 goals you want to achieve when you do get back to training (don’t need to be big, can be small!)
• Go for a walk or cross train if you are able. Do some physical exercise (again if you’re able) for your mental health
• On the topic of mental health. Use this time to strength your mental game. Boxing is a physical sport, but it also requires a strong mental performance. Journaling could be a form of building your confidence, giving yourself a mantra that you write down or say out loud often, and/or doing word puzzles to get mental stimulation
• If retail therapy will help, maybe buying a new gym outfit that you can wear when you can go back to training
• Lastly do not miss out on your prescribed medication, ice and/or heat as prescribed, and stretching. The more pro-active you are with your treatment the better off you are to recover in the prescribed time from your therapist
• SLEEP; now more than ever, try and give yourself enough rest as this will help with recovery as much as possible

Have you had an injury that put you out? What strategies have you used to help you get through it? Any other suggestions you can contribute in the comments?

How to find the class schedule & register:

1) Class schedule and registration will be found on the GloFox app under Girls Just Wanna Box or from the JOIN CLASSES tab on the GJWB website. If it is your first class, you may 'purchase' for your first class free. Otherwise you may purchase a class punchcard or use any current credits you have on your account. 
2) You must register for the class on GloFox so we know numbers and can prepare the classes, there is quite a bit of prep work done with Virtual classes to ensure the best workout possible. 🙏🏼. You will need to either purchase a membership - first class free, drop in, or punchcard before you can register for a class. 
3) You will also need to download the Zoom Cloud Meeting app  (where the class will take place) on either your phone, tablet, or computer.  
4) 1 hour before the class time frame you will be emailed a meeting URL link and password to join the class.
5) Click on the link emailed to you and enter the password to join!
6) Don't forget you will need: space to move around, water, and we will bring the energy. ⚡️ 

If you have any questions with setting up your Glo Fox and/or Zoom, please do not hesitate to email us: info@girlsjustwannabox.com 

We look forward to seeing you all online!!

We totally understand when you go to a new gym let alone a boxing club it can be super intimidating. We outline some important questions to ask when you're just starting out as a beginner boxer.