MY TOP 6 TAKEAWAYS FROM COACHING WOMEN ONLY BOXING

My passion for boxing brought me not only closer to understanding myself but also the women around me. I never ever thought that I would be coaching with women only. It’s been a life changing experience for me and has definitely made me a better person.

In the last few years boxing has grown more popular.  People see the mental and physical benefits that boxing provides. More women are now interested and most boxing studios in london are creating an accessible environment for anyone who would like to give this a go and not feel intimidated the first time they enter a boxing studio.

When I was offered to coach women only boxing, I took it on without any hesitation. I was excited but also slightly uncomfortable - I didn’t know what to expect because I’d so been used to only working with women in a corporate and working environment.

The first time I stood in front of 30 women was not easy because my approach in delivering the class came from my corporate mindset. I gave short instructions and direct feedback. I focused only what needed to be done in the class not how they performed. As you can probably imagine, I lost their interest and I could feel a distance between us. Nevertheless, they kept coming back. And every week I kept learning. I learned from them and I kept growing. I started to understand how to coach women. I realised what was expected from me as a coach, but also what the women were expecting from themselves and each other.These 6 key takeaways have been significant  and a real eye opener.  I clearly see how these can easily be adapted in any work environment or in companies whose core values are diversity and inclusion.

1. SOCIAL IS KEY

The main reason why they are there is not for just boxing it’s the social aspect. Building an informal relationship, setting the tone and an open environment where everyone feels they are being treated equally and fairly. The dynamics between beginners to those who are at an advanced boxing level shifts. It helps each woman to develop a different mindset and be their best. It’s an invitation for them to go beyond their comfort zone. So, play hard then work hard.  This is where they start to create a leveled playingfield.

2. SET UP EXPECTATION OF WHAT THEY CAN BECOME

And let them fall in love with it.  Beside just doing the workout they want to engage and  understand the ‘big picture’ of the sport. Majority off the group aren’t there to just lose weight. They want to visualise what they can become and set their own goals. It helps to build confidence and resilience.

3. WHY?

Never underestimate questions, especially ‘why?’. When something is questioned it means that I, as a coach, need to be clearer in what we try to achieve in the session - set up the expectation as mentioned in #2. It helps to understand the why but also to feel more involved with it.  As Simon Sinek said in his famous Ted Talk: “Your why is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you to do what you do. When you think, act and communicate starting with why, you can inspire others”. So, be an inspiring leader, inspiring coach.

4. NATURAL COACHES

They are all natural coaches to others and themselves. Women are generally known for being much more intuitive and nurturing. During my class I’m always amazed how easy they take on this role. While I’m juggling around trying to teach 30 women, there’s always a few female students, no matter how advanced or not, helping another so they will get the equal attention, improve their skills and also get the fun out of their workout. No one is left alone.

5. RESPONSIBILITY

Make them responsible for their own performance. Coaches create champions. To support their journey, help them improve their skills and visualise what they can become, but ultimately  they want to be responsible for their own performance. Let them commit to what they want to achieve in the class and takefull ownership.  

6. MAKE THEM FEEL UNIFIED

Last but not least, involve and engage them not only in the class, but also the process of the class. A simple whatsapp group helps you to get a collective answer outside of the session. It’s an effective way to share your solutions and before you know it, they create a united agreement. They are being heard, empowered and it helps them to commit and be accountable for their own performance. Coaching is 90% attitude and 10% technique

Eventually, no matter who you coach, people decide to stick with you. Because of your personality, your attitude and the way you train them. I’m pleased to be part of this journey and learn so much about myself, and the amazing women around me.

#womenwhobox #boxing #champions #coach #expectations #responsibility #empowerment