FFFC: Please introduce yourself to our readers.
AD: Hi, I’m Ashley! Owner of ASH Fitness and Fitness Strategist who helps develop fitness solutions for active people eager to ignite their inner athlete following an injury, illness or health challenge.
There are times in life we become separated from our Inner Athlete—we get sick; we get hurt; we have a baby; we get overwhelmed and stressed (and depressed) and we figure that fitness and nutrition are not something we can afford to care about.Yet in truth, we never stop missing that feeling of energy, aliveness, and strength that are the hallmarks of our Inner Athlete.
Have you ever felt like giving up when facing adversity? Most people do at one point or another. ASH Fitness looks forward to a world where people regard a health setback as an opportunity to create a new health & fitness routine.
FFFC: How did you get interested and started in boxing?
AD: A couple years ago, I was stuck in a job that wasn’t a great fit. It lacked opportunity for growth or change, and that left me frustrated day-to-day.
At the time I decided to take a boxing class. I can’t even remember why, but I do remember being intimidated because I assumed that boxing was for dudes. Despite the fear, I grabbed my sneakers and thought to myself, “Well, maybe I’ll meet some cool people!”
I went ahead and took the class, and I fell in love with it. Boxing is great because you get a high intensity workout and punching provides stress release, so I had a way to vent all my frustration from work. I kept going back and as it turned out – I did meet a lot of very cool people and made new friends! The boxing class supported me as I transitioned out of the job I felt trapped in, and it helped me feel more confident in myself. Since starting I have stayed with it for more than 2 years for many reasons – even though I had to take a break due to injury, which completely bummed me out. I experienced a back and neck injury due to a car accident and had to step away for 10 months.
FFFC: Did/do you participate in other sports?
AD: I consider myself athletic – I teach a variety of high intensity interval training and strength training classes, which keep me fit. You’ll find me in boxing, yoga, and advanced reformer Pilates classes. Outdoors you’ll find me hiking, biking, skiing and mainly walking and throwing a tennis ball to my yellow lab, Sanders.
Growing up my family was very active outdoors and I was active on soccer and softball rec teams beyond college. I also participated in dance until I was out of high school. And started running outdoors when I moved to Colorado.
FFFC: Who do you spar with?
AD: We don’t participate in traditional sparing in class. The boxing coach has us partner with other class participants and him to practice one-twos, hooks, jabs and uppercuts. We also use the bag. A typical class consists of a circuit style workout focusing on strength, form, technique, power and speed.
FFFC: Have you had an official match and if so, how did it go?
AD: No
FFFC: What do you like most and least about boxing?
AD: I have my own boxing gloves, but what I like least is sharing sweaty mitts with people.
What I like most is punching and working on speed drills.
FFFC: What is your training program like?
AD: I think I answered that above under sports participation, though it can be moved here. J
FFFC: What would you say is the biggest misconception about females in this sport?
AD: If I had to guess I think it’s that females can’t pack a punch or keep up with the guys. Often times I see they are far more coordinated and able to move with ease.
FFFC: What do you admire most about your physique?
AD: My core strength, it’s solid and has made everything I do from exercise to daily living so much easier and more fluid.
FFFC: What general tips do you have for other women interested in getting started with boxing?
AD:
- Try it out! See if it’s for you, but ask around for a reputable gym and coach. Boxing can’t be taught by anyone.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. You have to start somewhere and the only way to go is up!
- Have fun & be prepared to sweat – the workout is amazing and you’ll relieve so much stress. You’ll become more confident and improve partner communication – you have to find a dance with each partner you work with.
- Don’t wear running shoes.
FFFC: What is your daily diet (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)?
AD: I start my day with one pint of water before breakfast and my morning coffee.
Breakfast: plain Greek yogurt with blueberries and pecans mixed in.
Post-Workout: I teach fitness classes most days of the week and because I’m on the go, post workout I eat a protein packed ThinkThin bar. And/or an apple with almond butter – it depends how much of an appetite I work up and if I’m fueling for a second workout.
Snacks: I have to admit, lunch is my least favorite meal so post workout I tend to eat many snacks, such as an apple with almond butter, then a green smoothie with RAW protein and raw veggies with hummus.
Lunch or mid-afternoon meal prior to work out: I change up my proteins depending on my mood – mainly eggs, chicken or tuna with veggies. Sometimes I do cottage cheese with mango.
Dinner: I don’t skip the veggies here either! Protein chosen is mainly salmon, shrimp or ground turkey. Occasionally a burger with avocado. I enjoy polenta, black rice, quinoa or quinoa pasta as my whole grain.
I can’t live without parmesan cheese and I love a home cooked Italian meal. My mom makes the best pizza! When indulging I love a Ritter Sport Chocolate bar, Sugar Free Vanilla Latte and scone, ice cream in the summertime and Whole Foods whole wheat carrot cake.
FFFC: Who are some of your inspirations in this sport?
AD: My coach, Nick Spinosa of Spinosa Training, & Endorphin – Denver, CO. He has a magic within him that inspires students to push limits and be the best version of themselves.
Laila Ali for her self-confidence and success in boxing and as a world class athlete.
FFFC: Do you have any upcoming matches or events? Tell us all about it.
AD: I don’t have any boxing matches coming up, however …
I’m hosting the “Anti-5” – a FREE online training on November 3rd (time TBD) sharing tips & tricks for preventing holiday weight gain and why it’s so important! Bear with me for a minute while I geek out on scientific facts, but it’s important that you know why I’m providing this free training. In a Prospective Study about Holiday Weight Gain, published by the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that HALF of total yearly weight gain in the U.S. occurs during the holiday season. WOWZA – but makes sense, right? Now for a fact that’s a little more significant to the whole piece of the pie or shall I say, puzzle. The weight gained – even if only a modest amount – is not lost. In other words and as the article states, weight is “retained indefinitely.” Holy cow manure! And this statistic is even more staggering for people who are overweight or obese.
FFFC: How much weight do people gain over the 6-week holiday season that begins on Thanksgiving and ends New Years Day?
AD: Without boring you with all the details, studies have shown that people gain anywhere from one to ten pounds. The Mayo Clinic goes further saying that typical holiday weight gain is around 5 pounds, however in reality it’s probably less – BUT they also AGREE that any weight gained during the holiday season is rarely lost.
So please join me for this FREE training by messaging me on one of my social media sites or via email. Gaining a pound or two sounds minimal, however let’s put one pound in perspective – think about adding four sticks of butter onto your frame. NO WAY! We can prevent this year’s weight creep together – JOIN ME!
FFFC: How can our readers learn more about the services you have to offer?
AD: Visit me on any of my social media sites – links below. Or email me: [email protected]
FFFC: Where can I our readers find you on the web and read more about what you do?
AD: Readers can find me on my blog at Dailypowerfit.blogspot.com (transitioning to theashfitness.com soon)! Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theashfitness
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ashfitness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theashfitness
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshleyDePaulis/about
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheASHFitness
If you need to get caught up in the series, don’t fret – they are all here ready for YOU to click and be amazed!! If you love this series as much as I do, show these women some love & support by reading their articles and leaving an encouraging comment!
No Replies to "Women Who Box - Ashley DePaulis"