We Are Three : Community, Champions and the Next Generation

It’s been three years since we opened our doors at 58 Kim Yam Road. The journey to becoming where we are today was no walk in the park, there were many challenges and roadblocks along the way but our commitment to become better and dedicated to our goals has not changed.  In fact, we are now more determined than ever to continue making our mark in Singapore’s boxing and fitness community.

What makes us proud the last three years?

OUR COMMUNITY

Over the years, we have welcomed people from all walks of life , introducing them to the community we created. From fitness junkies, stressed-out professionals, everyday moms to students, our goal was to bring people together through Boxing, Muay Thai and Fitness.  Everyday we meet interesting characters, with different stories to tell and experiences to share.  Through these years, we realised that our community of fighters are our everyday people.  The real warriors are our members, who strive to be great in their careers, who give their very best to become better parents, who inspire and change the lives of others and who create a legacy for those they care the most – family, communities, passions.

Why You Should Start Meal Prepping

Meal prepping simply means preparing your meals ahead, and its popularity has soared throughout the years as people become more conscious of their diets. Some benefits of meal prepping include saving time, money and having the ability to control your daily calorie intake.

You do not need to be a masterchef or seasoned cook to start meal prepping. Some of the key points of meal prepping are that dishes are simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and kitchen equipment needed. Professional fighter and martial arts coach Kirstie Gannaway shares with us some of her meal prepping mantras.

Kirstie combines her love for food and fitness to prepare holistic and healthy meals

PLAN AHEAD

It is important to note the number of meals you are preparing in advance because it allows you to have better portion control and avoids wastage.

Kirstie’s Tip: When you plan ahead, you are able to cook a variety of ingredients that can be prepared in different ways over the week. I usually opt for versatile ingredients like grilled chicken breasts and vegetables as they can be prepared and stored separately in advanced. You can always then customise your meals the night before with the ingredients you prepared previously so you are not stuck with eating the same meal for the entire week.

Kirstie’s boiled eggs and vegetable stir-fry

KEEP IT SIMPLE

One way to avoid over-preparing is to stick to the idea of one protein, vegetable, and starch each meal. The process of meal prepping should be fuss-free and utilize as little kitchen equipment as possible

Kirstie’s Tip: Especially in your first few attempts at meal prepping, you will realize that it is a trial and error process. Try preparing your meals in parts – I dedicate days to prepare different components, one day can be for sauces, another for grilled vegetables and sometimes I even cook the proteins in the morning itself.

Prepare your food and store them in containers for your meals throughout the week

LABEL YOUR ITEMS

It might be tempting to prepare an entire week’s worth of food in advance, but some food have a limited shelf time in the fridge before it goes bad. Always label your items so you can keep track of how long it has been in the fridge. A general rule to follow is storing cooked meat in the fridge for three to four days. Do not be afraid to freeze your food, as that can extend its storage period as well. Invest in clear containers so your food are visible and can be stored easily.

Kirstie’s vegan pad thai salad with grilled tofu

MEAL PREP SHOULDN’T MEAN FLAVOURLESS FOOD

Many have the misconception that meal prep food is usually bland and tasteless. While the basic components might be similar each day, you can always switch up the taste with different sauces and flavorings!

Kirstie’s Tip: You can always try making your own sauces if you cannot find low sodium alternatives at the store. Sauces and dressings can be prepared in bulk and stored over time, so it might be worthwhile to prepare your own. Especially when you are eating clean, flavors from sauces can really make meals exciting. Try incorporating flavors like garlic, onion or even spices as these can really elevate the flavour of your dish. They are a great way to keep things interesting – pepper, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder are some fantastic options.

Meal prep is a great option for those who are looking at improving their diet and want to save a few bucks. Rather than pay for expensive store-bought salads daily, preparing your own allows for customization to suit your palette.

Achieving The Right Life And Workout Balance

Many struggle to achieve the perfect life and working-out balance with the many commitments and distractions present. It may be hard to juggle between the numerous responsibilities, but finding the middle ground in work and exercise is crucial for your overall wellbeing!

PLAN OUT A DAILY SCHEDULE

Working out can be hard work, but it can help if you set aside specific times daily for an exercise session. If  you do not have a whole hour and half dedicated for a class, you can always try out different kinds of workouts, including making use of the machines in the gym for a short cardio session.

Khalif, a full-time student, who is also taking part in the upcoming Elite Amateur Series shares, ”I try to plan my workout schedule the day before, after confirming my school’s timetable. I find myself more driven and committed to exercising when I plan ahead.”

OPT FOR CLASSES

Classes are great compared to traditional gym workouts because you can easily plan your schedules around the classes you are opting for. This can allow for greater time management! Lunch-time classes, with its shorter duration, are a great way to squeeze in a mid-day workout. Morning classes are also a great booster to start your day because the endorphins produced keep your heart pumping for the rest of the day!

 “My work schedule is fixed daily, so I choose to go for classes in the evening after work,” shares member David Francilette, who works full-time and trains at The Ring on most weekdays.

ORGANISE EXERCISE SESSIONS FOR THE FAMILY

Working out can always be a fun family activity. Instead of finding time away from your kids, try including them during your workout schedules! Organise activities like Swimming, walking or cycling in the park for a wholesome bonding session for everyone.

FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY OR GROUP

When exercising becomes a passion, you will find it easier to start working out. To motivate yourself, try finding a group of like-minded individuals to workout with. You will definitely find exercising more enjoyable when you have a strong support group inspiring you to reach your potential. With everyone around you working towards the same fitness goal, it is easier to commit to an exercise schedule than you would on your own.

LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES TO INCORPORATE INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE

In addition to regular exercises done at the gym, you can also easily adjust your daily habits to incorporate elements of fitness, like choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stair climbing strengthens your core and leg muscles, and is great for your heart health! Perhaps you might also consider alighting one stop away from your final destination when taking the bus or train, completing your journey by walking instead. Making such subtle changes to your lifestyle is beneficial in improving your overall fitness, and these can easily be developed into good habits.

Cut down on excuses and transform your body with these tips! The importance of fitness should not be ignored, and it is important to strike a balance between work and life.

When Your Passion Becomes A Dream: Annie Park’s Journey to White Collar Boxing

25-year-old Annie Park has been part of The Ring Boxing Community since 2016 and recently took her passion in boxing a step further by taking part in our first-ever White Collar Boxing event last June.

Annie and her first win at the recent White Collar Boxing event.

ALWAYS THOUGHT BOXING WAS A BEAUTIFUL SPORT

Boxing has helped me calm down whenever I’m feeling stressed, and taught me to become more mindful of myself and my surroundings. At the end of the day, even though it’s just you in the ring, it’s also a team sport where you feel so much love and encouragement from the bonding the sport naturally yields. The coaches, your team, and just about any pleasant face you encounter during training – that’s what completes the experience and growth with boxing.

Annie and Papa Park

IT WAS THE PERFECT WAY TO TEST MY PROGRESS IN THE SPORT WITHOUT IMMENSE PRESSURE

I have the tenacity towards naturally taking part in events if it involves my hobby or passion. Boxing, tick. Socializing, tick. Wine and Whiskey, tick and tick. The Ring’s White Collar Boxing was a perfect way to test my progress in a sport I really enjoyed. The fact that it was a superbly entertaining event combined with my interest in challenging myself in the sport – great reason, great timing.

Corporate boxers participating in The Ring’s first edition of the White Collar Boxing event. Annie is third from the right.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF MY TRAINING JOURNEY:

  • Knowing that you’re a part of something endlessly exciting, and being able to look forward to it while witnessing your weekly progress with your team and coaches. When you have something that aids your growth to look forward to, it naturally pushes your mindset towards a more ambitious and positive one on a daily basis.

  • How it taught me discipline and that if you love it enough, it really isn’t that bad!

  • I ran a marathon in 2013 and completely stopped running regularly after that. The training camp helped me get back to running and made me realize the importance of cardiovascular strength and consistency.

Annie, with her cornerman Coach Hamzah, during her recent fight.

IT’S NOT ABOUT WINNING OR LOSING

White Collar Boxing is like a beautiful gateway that bridges you into the competitive world of boxing, if you are not looking to become professional, but still have an immense passion and love for the sport to just keep it within padwork and bag training. You are able to enjoy the sport by challenging yourself while getting to hang out with some amazing souls that you wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise. I think the first step into the ring will feel different for everyone – for me, it was extremely nerve-wrecking, but I knew I had to do it because of the my respect for the sport. If you like it enough, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll come out of each ring experience with new knowledge, feeling empowered. It’s not all about winning or losing, but about knowing that you deserve to feel confident and excited about something you’re passionate about.

The Ring’s White Collar Boxing will be back for its second edition in November! Registration for this electrifying corporate event is open now. Are you ready to challenge yourself and become fitter than ever? Email trwcb@thering.sg to register your interest now!

How to Detox your Body after Summer Holidays

Enjoyed yourself a little too much this past holiday? Why not embark on a detox journey to improve your overall body health! If you find yourself tapping out of that workout faster than before, bloated and sluggish throughout the day, it is probably time to reset your body with a detox session. Detoxing is all about cleansing your body from within, purging harmful toxins, which might have build up over time.

FOOD CLEANSE

Processed food is a major culprit in the build up of toxins in our body. Choosing a detox diet does not necessary limit your options to organic produce, but swapping processed food such as nuggets or chips, with nuts or fresh chicken breast is a great way to start. Try to eliminate the consumption of excess sugar, such as in flavoured drinks and desserts.

Adjusting your diet to include super foods is also fantastic for your body! Berries, nuts and even cocoa contain high levels of antioxidants, which support your overall physical wellbeing.

LIQUID CLEANSE

For many, summer holidays are synonymous with lots of booze. Kick-start your detox adventure by cutting back on alcohol. Large amounts of alcohol damages your liver, which is your body’s main toxin eliminating organ. When this function is impaired, this can result in the buildup of toxins in your body.

 If you’re one who is unsure of how to begin your detox journey, start off by increasing your consumption of water daily! Staying hydrated does more than just quench your thirst. Water supports all other functions in your body, and drinking at least 8 glasses a day can allow for optimal physical wellbeing.

PAY BACK YOUR SLEEP DEBT

The best way to recover from the holidays is perhaps sleeping. Quality sleep is crucial in naturally repairing your system. A good night’s sleep can almost always guarantee a recharge and mental boost. A good measure is giving yourself at least 8 hours of non-disrupted sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, lavender essential oils are recommended as they can help calm the mind. Also, limiting blue light devices, such as your laptop and mobile phones, prior to sleeping also improves your quality of sleep.

WORKING OUT

Exercising releases chemicals in your brain called endorphins, also known as the “feel-good” hormones. Getting your body pumping is a great boost not just for your physical, but also mental wellbeing. Perspiration is also a natural way of eliminating toxins from your body! Exercising also strengthens your core muscles, where many of our toxin eliminating organs such as the kidney, liver and colon are located.

Some benefits of detoxing include feeling more energised, improved digestion, and an overall boost in your mental health. Limiting your intake of processed foods, sugar and alcohol can also help shed some pounds. Especially after a period of over indulgence, detoxifying definitely has great health benefits! To begin, why not join some of our classes at The Ring to kick start your detox journey?

 

Unveil Your Most Important Assets

Employees are whom make a company thrive and succeed. A happy team increases employee morale and will bring positivity in the workplace. For your next corporate bonding activity, throw in a twist and try something a little more fun than just the regular dinner get-together after work or island adventure sports. Try taking your team to a martial arts class! These are some reasons why a boxing or Muay Thai group class should be your next office retreat.

ULTIMATE STRESS RELIEVER

Through boxing and Muay Thai, your employees get an opportunity and outlet to relieve all that pent-up stress they have been harboring. Whatever issues or troubles they have been or are facing, employees can step away from their stress and release that in every punch and kick they take. Boxing and Muay Thai classes make for appropriate outlets to relieve such stress.

Furthermore, with fun and light-hearted classes at The Ring, your employees are bound to enjoy themselves and go into office feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated than ever! Happy employees mean more productivity in the workplace – it’s a win-win situation.

FUN WAY TO STAY FIT & HEALTHY

Greater Group Team Building at The Ring

Through physical activities, employees and co-workers get to step away from their desks and immerse themselves in the sport. This gets them moving and exercising, and promotes a healthy and ideal work-life balance – to be physically healthy, while being productive at work. Employees will then pay more attention to their health and physical wellness.

They may eventually turn that into a habit to keep a fit and healthy lifestyle. In the long term, that means less sick employees, and healthier and happier employees for a better and more productive workplace.

LEARN TO WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM

In boxing and Muay Thai, much like at work, people need to work as a team. With classes being held in a group setting, everyone is seen as the same – whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Everyone works towards the same goal, and everyone has to work out together and motivate on each other to push onward throughout class. This will definitely impact communication amongst employees, and help promote effective communication at the workplace.

In the less formal setting of a boxing or Muay Thai class, employees will get to easily break the ice and know each other better. It’s an easy way to get your employees to mix around and acquaint themselves with people within the company, but may have not worked with in the same team before. This all translates into a more bonded team at the workplace, which will bound to boost up morale, positivity, and efficiency at work.

So instead of your next company lunch, ditch the conventional team-building activities for fun, tailored and empowering classes at The Ring!

We’re sure your employees will enjoy their workout here together as a team – there’s no doubt about the many benefits boxing or Muay Thai offer as a team-building exercise.  Email us at info@thering.sg to know more about our corporate packages.

 

The Art of Eight Limbs

 

Most of us know that Muay Thai is a combat sport that utilises the whole body as a weapon and defense – but why exactly is it coined the “Art of Eight Limbs”? Why do some Muay Thai fighters wear a headdress or an armlet during fights? Here are some fun facts about Muay Thai you might find interesting!

    1. ART OF EIGHT LIMBS

In Muay Thai, fighters utilise the combined use of their fists, elbows, shins, and knees – this is how Muay Thai earned its title as the “Art of Eight Limbs”. The “eight limbs” actually refer to using moves like the power punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knee strikes in those exhilarating Muay Thai matches you can catch ever so often at The Ring. It’s as if one had the power of eight limbs with these Muay Thai techniques and moves!

2. MUAY THAI IN MOVIES

When we talk about martial arts movies, boxing movies like Rocky or Million Dollar Baby pop up into our minds. Did you know, that there are some award-winning films that feature Muay Thai too?

One such movie series was Tony Jaa’s Ong-Bak. Ong-Bak was first released in 2003 in Thailand at the 2003 Bangkok International Film Festival, and subsequently gained international recognition. The movie introduced the world to the arts of Muay Thai. Tony Jaa himself acted in the film as the lead role, with him performing all the Muay Thai moves in the movie himself. He had been practising Muay Thai since the tender age of 10, and knew the martial art well to perform them confidently on-screen.

3. OTHER KICKBOXING VARIATIONS

Did you know that other countries have their own version of “Muay Thai”? There’s Lethwei, a full boxing contact sport originating from Myanmar, which is known as the “Art of Nine Limbs” because headbutting is encouraged in this variation of the practice. Pradal Serey is another unarmed combat sport that originated from Cambodia. Elbow strikes tend to be the most utilised amongst the fighters in this variation of the sport. There are many other combat sports that adopt similar techniques and stances to Muay Thai, mostly in the Southeast Asia region.

4. WAI KHRU RAM MUAY

Before a Muay Thai bout, competitors traditionally perform a ritual known as the “Wai Khru Ram Muay”. This is some sort of a greeting, and used for giving thanks, and is a display of respect. Fighters individualise their “Wai Khru Ram Muay” as they give respects to their mentors and everyone who trained and helped them to be the strong fighters they are today. These humbling displays of respect are magnificent sights and one should experience it to have the full experience of Muay Thai.

5. MUAY THAI SUPERSTITIONSIt is not uncommon to see Muay Thai fighters bearing special tattoos in professional Thai inscription. These unique and traditional tattoos are meant to ward off any bad luck from their bout in the ring, to prevent injuries. They believe that with these tattoos, they increase their luck and fortune as well.

Fighters sometimes also don a headdress (also known as the Mongkong), or an armlet, in which they wrap ancestors’ bones – they hope to transcend the good spirit of their ancestors into the ring and bring them good luck.

Now that you know a little bit more about this intriguing sport, it’s time to pick up your wraps & gloves and join us in the amazing world of Muay Thai  in Singapore at The Ring: Your Boxing Gym Singapore!

 

Nurture Values, Build Confidence in your Little Ones

Deciding on what sport to start your little ones on? Boxing and Muay Thai are not just for adults – they are beneficial for children too! It is always great for kids to start a new hobby, and we promise you that the fun-filled and exciting classes will get them hooked on the sport.

Here are some benefits of the sports for your little ones.

1. BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Physical activities offer a tangible result that can motivate your kids – hard work does pay off! Through our classes, your little ones can be motivated and uplifted, a great way to boost their self-confidence. They are often stronger both mentally and physically after each session, as our classes require equal amounts of physical strength and mental resilience. There is nothing wrong with a little healthy competition among the children, and Boxing and Muay Thai classes provide a safe and controlled environment for your child’s competitiveness. Learning how to properly protect oneself is always a great moral and confidence boost.

2. GETTING FIT

Finding it hard to keep up with the energy levels of your children? Attending fitness classes like Boxing or Muay Thai can provide your little ones with a safe outlet to release their bursts of energy. In an age where technology is a major source of distraction, an enjoyable physical activity can encourage many to put away their smartphones. Our coaches at The Ring understand the importance of captivating the interests of your children, which is why every class promises a fun-filled programme to get your kid hooked on the sport.

The benefits of martial arts include building muscles, increasing flexibility and strengthening and toning – crucial during the early developmental years of your child. They are a fantastic addition to the physical education classes in school, and organised in a fun and safe environment, your child will definitely be encouraged to stay healthy and lean. Moreover, many kids are becoming victims to poor posture as a result of countless hours spent in front of the screen. With the emphasis on good body posture and balance, Boxing and Muay Thai sessions can help improve your little one’s overall wellbeing!

3. NURTURING VALUES

Many values are inculcated through Boxing and Muay Thai, such as respect for coaches and peers. Especially in martial arts, discipline and responsibility are often key principles. Children are encouraged to become responsible individuals for their own safety and actions. During classes, they are encouraged to take charge of their own fitness gear, and are expected to follow instructions from the coaches. This improves the focus and concentration of your little ones, who will often have to work with the other kids to achieve a common goal. For the young ones who are hesitant to come out of their shell, Boxing and Muay Thai classes are great in encouraging social interaction as it usually features partner drills and team activities.

Guaranteeing a fun and exciting session each class, The Ring offers Junior Classes for your little ones four times a week! They will be exposed to valuable life lessons and skills that can ultimately impact their growths as individuals in the future.

Why Women Should Take Up Boxing

Boxing has always been thought of as more of a mens’ sport – women have always been in the background. It’s time to change that today. Boxing can benefit women in so many different ways – not only your body benefits from this high-intensity exercise, but your mental wellbeing as well. Ladies, here are some reasons why you should pick up your boxing gloves today!

1. SELF-CARE

You are responsible for yourself in the ring – just you, yourself, and your boxing gloves. The punches and hits are yours to bear – no one else’s. Boxing will train your reflexes and response time – you’ll be more alert of everything around you. Through boxing, you’ll develop a sense of self-care that’s unparalleled to any other activity or sport. You’ll look out for yourself more, and in essence, care for yourself more than ever.

2. ENTIRE BODY WORKOUT

Boxing gives you an entire body workout. It works out your arms, shoulders, chest, abdominals, back, and legs – all in just one session. Besides, boxing is definitely far more fun and exhilarating as compared to just lifting weights at the gym or going for a run. You’ll get your fun with exciting boxing combinations whilst getting your workout in – it’s a win-win situation for you ladies.

3. FAT BURNER

Ladies, we hear you – we all know you want that lean and curvy body you see in the magazines. Well, boxing can do just that for you, and more. Boxing is a great high-intensity sport that burns loads of calories and fat so you can slim down fast and get that body you’ve always been talking about. Plus, boxing can help you with toning so you can get a slim and toned body in no time.

4. STRESS RELIEVER

Besides giving you that summer body you’ve always wanted, boxing can train your mind too. With every punch you throw, you can relieve all that stress from your life – be it from work, school, relationships, or any other problems you face. You’ll be able to walk out of class with a clearer mind. You’ll be able to focus on what truly matters, and prioritise your tasks. Whoever said boxing was just about working out physically? It relieves any pent-up stress to benefit your mind too.

5. IT’S COOL!

Come on, we have to admit it – girls who can box are totally awesome! You’ll be the talk of the town. Ladies, empower yourself with the art of boxing. Through boxing, you’ll feel more capable than ever. You will be able to show off some of your cool punches, jabs, and boxing combinations to score you some brownie points on the cool meter. Boxing turns you into a super confident lady, and confidence is definitely the new sexy.

Always wanted to take up boxing? Stop hesitating – pick your gloves up today and join our classes at The Ring that are open to all levels. Ladies, good news for you. We do have a ladies-only Femme Fatale class as well. See you at The Ring!

Find Boxing Classes for Ladies Singapore at The Ring today: Your Boxing Gym in Singapore!

Debunking Some Of The Most Common Myths About Boxing

If you have been thinking about switching up your exercise routine, why not try boxing? Before you begin your journey, it is important to correct some of the common misconceptions about the sport.

1)   BOXING IS A VIOLENT SPORT

Friendly Fight Friday at The Ring

The stigma attached to boxing being a violent and aggressive sport may be common, but there is definitely more that exists in the sweet science of boxing. It is not all about inflicting the most damage to your opponent, but also a lot about discipline, strategy and technique. As with every contact sport, boxing has its risks, but practiced under a safe and professional environment, the likelihood of injuries in boxing classes is ultimately equal to any other sport – including pilates or yoga! Boxing classes at The Ring are not designed to promote violence, but rather to prove how a contact sport like boxing can be a fantastic alternative to keep fit and stay active. And even though many of our coaches have professional fights to their name, they don’t bite. As part of our efforts in building boxing as a community sport, we constantly organise events such as Friendly Fight Fridays and weekly sparring sessions to prove that boxing is for everyone.

2)  ONLY GUYS DO BOXING

Femme Fatale Classes at The Ring

It is almost impossible to ignore the growing popularity of combat sports in the recent years. With the influence of social media, the association that boxing is a male dominated sport has dwindled over time thanks to female celebrities and influencers constantly sharing about how combat sports like boxing has been beneficial to their overall fitness regime. It is not just about power or strength; boxing classes are fun and stimulating for your physical and mental health. The Ring has Femme Fatale classes catered specifically for women, so if you ever feel intimidated or apprehensive to try out boxing, those classes are a great starting point to your journey in boxing.

3)  THE HEAVIER YOU ARE, THE STRONGER YOU ARE

The Ring’s coach, Hamzah

Whether you are having a friendly sparring session or just participating in partner drills in class, do not feel intimated if your partner is larger in size than you. Boxing is not a bulking sport, but relies on the ability to effectively channel your strength to maximise your power. Having a muscular physique might be important in sports like weightlifting, but most professional fighters in boxing are lean. Do not be deceived by their size, because their punches pack power! Take The Ring’s coach Hamzah for example. The toned and charismatic boxer has mastered the art of inflicting maximum damage with his punches. Did you know that having an overly muscular physique is not beneficial for combat sports like boxing because they can actually slow down your movements? So the next time you train, do not focus on size, but rather the technique.

4) BOXING ONLY TONES YOUR ARMS AND NOT THE REST OF YOUR BODY

Boxing as a Full Body Workout

Having muscular arms is not the most important when it comes to boxing, but rather, it is more important to have the ability to transfer the maximum power from your core and legs into your punches. During boxing classes, you are not only expected to practice your punches. There is a lot of focus on your core, shoulders and legs working together to deliver the hardest hit. Foot work, core conditioning and strength training are designed to develop cardiovascular strength, so be rest assured that you are gaining a full body workout during each boxing session.

IF YOU ARE KEEN ON EMBARKING ON A LIFE-CHANGING FITNESS JOURNEY, SIGN UP FOR A FREE TRIAL HERE AT THE RING!

Find Boxing Classes in Singapore at your Boxing Gym in Singapore: The Ring!

 

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