Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Michael Brockbank
Earlier this week, my 23-year-old decided he wanted to challenge the old man to a friendly sparring match. This morning, I called his bluff and set the date. April 1st, we’ll go a few rounds. And no, I’m not going to be gentle.
As always, if you want to beat me, you better bring your A-game.
It’s More About the Motivation to Improve
What actually prompted the conversation was how we were looking for ways to motivate ourselves to lose weight and get fit. He was the one who brought up how a boxing match against me would light a fire under his ass.
It’s a tangible goal that he could reach that will prompt him to put in the effort to meet his potential. Personally, I thought it was a good idea as competition can encourage a great deal of motivation.
Although he admits that he’s not trying to beat me, he wants to see if he can last three rounds at the minimum.
While I’m twice his age and have a variety of aches and pains, I decided it would be a good idea after all. It’s something that can motivate us both to do better while giving us something new to bond over.
Friendly Competition Can Be a Motivating Factor
Competition can be a good thing, in certain perspectives. I know I always preach how you’re only in competition with yourself. And this is true, even in boxing.
Yes, the purpose of boxing is to knock the other guy out. But how are you going to do that if you’re not focusing on becoming the best version of yourself?
In every sport, you’re training to go above and beyond what you’re currently capable of doing. So, you’re still competing with yourself more than anything. If you don’t surpass your current ability, you’ll have less of a chance to surpass that of someone else.
In this instance, there is no animosity or anger toward the other. It’s a process to see if we can become motivated enough to get into the best shape possible before throwing down.
No, I’m Not Aiming to Maim
I don’t let people win at any game. If you can beat me, it’s because your skills surpassed my own. Nonetheless, I am going to play to win.
Does this mean I’ll be trying to destroy the little man? Absolutely not. He’s my son, and I wouldn’t want to maim him. But I am going to remind him why I’m the big dog in the house.
Besides, you can spar in boxing without trying to bust up someone’s eye socket.
Growing up, I used to spar nearly every other day with friends and family. That’s what happens when you grow up with trophy-winning boxers, marines, and air force personnel.
We didn’t even have padded gloves most of the time.
Time to Ramp Up the Effort!
I think this is perhaps one of the greatest motivating factors I’ve had in quite some time. Sure, I love to break personal records and gamify fitness to keep me engaged.
But now there are bragging rights enabled.
As I’ve said, this is mostly about competing with myself. If I want to succeed, then I can’t let myself be lax or put in a half-assed effort.
Not to mention proving to myself that I can still throw down when necessary. I’m getting older and am definitely not in my 20s.
Can I keep motivated enough to at least give a good showing on April 1st? I have no doubt. Yet, like I said, I’m not as young as I used to be.
Why Focus On Boxing?
It was my son who brought up boxing. I would have been content competing for bodyweight exercise records. But he has this mentality of being a warrior, and he’s brought up taking on the old man on several occasions.
A lot of people will just see it as a testosterone-fueled sport where people purposely try to bash each other to bits. Yes, it’s a violent sport. But there are a lot of benefits to boxing that many probably don’t realize.
Not only does it aid in weight loss and improve overall physical strength and stamina, but it’s also great for mental health. It can help in everything from stress relief to emotional control.
This is aside from the fact that taking boxing lessons and putting in the hours of training greatly benefits defending yourself when shit hits the fan.
So, there is far more to boxing than simply a clash of two behemoths.
Think about this; people join martial arts classes for virtually the same reasons why others will join boxing gyms. Yes, it benefits battle. But the overall lessons are more centered on physical and mental control.
It’s Been a While Since I Put On the Gloves
I haven’t worn a pair of gloves in more than 25 years. What’s worse is that I’ve led quite a sedentary life throughout that time. It wasn’t until recently that I started pushing myself to become more active.
Even though I have a six-inch height difference, 50 pounds, and more than three-inch reach on my son, he still has youth and stamina on his side.
However, I think my level of dedication to fitness is far superior. That’s saying something considering how this past year has gone for me.
Still, I’ll treat the April 1st boxing match much like every other game I play with the kids. After I hand your ass to you, I’ll tell you how I was able to do so and what you can do to improve.
There’s always a lesson to be learned in every failed attempt.
A Week After My Next Fitness Challenge
The funny part is that April 1st is the weekend after my next 12-week fitness challenge. If all goes well, I’ll be in the best shape of my entire life. Even as a teenager, I didn’t have this much muscle mass.
Though, I did have a lot more stamina back in the day. Age has a way of slowing things down quite a bit when you’re not paying attention.
Nevertheless, I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish over the course of the next four months.
When all is said and done, I’m doing this mostly to see if I can build up into that superhero physique I constantly talk about. It’s all about seeing what I’m capable of doing and accomplishing my fitness goals.
So, overall, I’m still in competition with myself more than anything.
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