Edmonton : Whyte Ave
Ingrid Bredt
http://
dbredt@shaw.ca
Hi, my name is Ingrid and I have recently had the privilege of becoming an Ambassador for Lululemon!
I am 48 years old and quite proud of that as I am probably in the best shape of my life! I have exercised through out my whole life yet 4 years ago I decided to give boxing a try and discovered a whole new passion! I started out looking for a new and fun way to stay in shape but I soon discovered there is way more to boxing than meets the eye. The mental empowerment developed through boxing changed my life and I soon wanted to share the experience with as many people as I could.
I decided at that time to change careers in order to pursue a new calling, so to speak. After having worked in the field of Child Welfare for 20 years I wanted to support people in another way.
I stepped into Panther Gym 4 years ago and was so warmly welcomed and supported that any apprehension I had about walking into a male dominated sport quickly vanished!
That first year I trained hard with Albert Liaw who made time for me no matter what. Later I would train with Benny Swanson, owner and ex-pro boxer, who pushed me and made me feel I could accomplish anything.
I soon wanted to teach and attained my Level 1 Coaching Certificate through the Alberta Amateur Boxing Association. I now run the ladies Boxing Program at Panther Gym. I open up the Gym on Sundays so women can come down and take my classes. The gym is typically closed so we have the entire gym to ourselves. Although it was originally for just women I welcome men as well! A lot of women bring their boyfriends or husbands along and we all train together.
There is an incredible stress release that comes from boxing and I do credit boxing for maintaining my own sanity as I deal with my own stress! What a great way to release the tensions we all accumulate in life!
What I enjoy the most is watching everyone find their inner strength as they box. An amazing thing happens in boxing, you find your power! The fitness rewards are just a bonus! I have watched students come in quite timid and unsure, after all this in not your typical women’s sport, and all of a sudden something awakens in them and they become strong, not only physically but mentally as well. This strength is transferred into their life in other ways and I have heard from many about the changes they have made as a result of the power they find through boxing.
For me, that has been an amazing experience. To be able to impact someone’s life in a positive way is truly a blessing! It is why I continue to develop my own boxing skills and promote the classes.
If you have never boxed before I highly recommend it!
It isn’t just about the fitness!!