Free Gym Session

It was one day before my birthday, that I've decided to take the free session trial of the gym, that gifted me for my birthday. I was spirited, full of hope, and determined. As I reached the place, it did not fail to make me notice, the obvious Chinese-looking signboards, structures, and its people. Apparently, the location of the gym was in the renowned Chinatown district of the city where I live. As I reached the area, I felt hungry, and knowing that it is important to eat before you train, I decided to look for any food with protein available. As I go through the streets of Chinatown, I found vendors selling "Takoyaki", it is a ball-shaped dumpling made with scramble egg, cabbage shreds, carrots, green onions, topped with both mayonnaise and ketchup, sprinkled with some brown powder. I loved "Takoyaki" since I was a kid, and knowing its egg content and some healthy ingredients, I've decided to spend three orders for such, with one order composing of four balls. As I ate, I noticed street childrens along the sidewalk, and then I decided to give them some of the servings of "takoyaki", that I bought. As I felt full, I realized it was high-time that I get into the gym and work out a sweat. I then went to the second floor where gym was located, and was very impressed with the facilities. It was not like a boxing gym at all, but it was a very spacious work out area, where you can feel like working out and relaxing at the same time. I later asked the receptionist if there were boxing sessions available in that time, and she said, that the trainer left already a while ago. I was slightly disappointed, for I brought my pair of 18 oz boxing gloves. After placing my things in a cozy locker room, I decided to hit the cardio, and do some running on the treadmill, I then burned 270 calories, before I settled down into a fancy sofa to rest. Trying to recuperate, I noticed that there was a computer in the lobby, with free internet access. I then posted my progress via Facebook, and people responded well to what I have done. As I began to catch my breath, I then went to the upper level of the gym, and worked out for strength training. Coming into this circumstance, I already thought and planned to work out my lats or the latissimus dorsi, and so, I head to the Pull down exercise machine, in my hopes to improve the muscles, and build those wings. Watching boxing matches, I have always been fascinated with the body built of fighters, especially the latissimus dorsi which looked obvious and pretty solid. Working out this muscle in the gym was important for me, because it is the only device that I lack at home. I can do crunches, reverse crunches, isolation, running, jumping rope, heavy bag work-out and the like at home, but never for the lats. I have thought about a parallel bar for pull-ups as a substitute, but I never have come across it, for I don't have it. Only in the gym, can I work-out my lats. I did a hell amount of work-out focusing on the lats, and later worked out the lower aspect of my abdominal muscles. It was a huge machine, that is supported with some weights for resistance, and metal frames for doing a reverse crunches. It was a great experience to be working on different work-out machines at the time. I had to thank the instructors for helping me out, for it was the first time I worked-out on those types of machines at that time. Feeling the slight bulge and tightening of my muscles, I then decided to take a rest in that same spot on the fancy sofa, and went over a few magazines. As I recovered, I recalled the earlier experience on the treadmill, which I thought was a great. I then decided to go for the treadmill for a second time. Running solo, I was having an intense work-out on the treadmill as I was watching cabled television. I was watching a soccer match which motivated me to run, and made me burn an additional 200 calories. I was work-out crazy at the time, with a concern that I was a little out of shape due to the holiday season. After getting some rest, I head outside the lobby and bought some water. As I walk past the receptionist, she immediately told me that the boxing trainer was upstairs. I was so excited, I can't hardly wait. I rushed upstairs into the boxing area and found the trainer. I asked him if he was able to train me today, and he replied "sure." He helped me with the gloves, which was great, because as I recall, I was the only one helping myself with the gloves through my self-training. It sort of gave me some moral support, in such a simple act. He treated me with some mitt training, starting off with jabs, then complex combinations that I can hardly repeat. I was hitting the mitts on his hand so much that in the middle of my work-out, I began to not focus on the mitts anymore, I was looking at the trainers face, as if his face would be my next target. *chuckles* He stopped, and told me "hit the mitts, okay" as if concerned that I would hit him in the face. *LOL* It was hilarious, but I never had the time to laugh, only after I realized how funny it was. While the trainer was training me, he told me in Cebuano dialect, "kusog man lagi ka manumbag." which is translated to English as "You really hit hard." I told him "Yeah." He asked me, "Who was your trainer?", and I told him that I learned boxing on my own, that I have been watching boxing matches every single day possible. Soft spoken, He praised my power and was skeptic about the notion, that I was not trained by a trainer in the past. He gave me some weird combinations that I never trained in the past, like the double right cross. I had it easy with the jab, but a double cross made me feel awkward. I couldn't hit it as stronger as I have wanted it. As long as I keep learning, I'm all for that. If Roy Jones Jr. and Manny Pacquiao can do it, so can I. If they used it and become great, so will I be using it, and become great. These were the mindset that played to me when I was training. The trainer gave me repeated combinations, over and over, not to mention the fact, that I have been running on the treadmill for too long. I wanted to go on, but my body seemed to have reached its limit, and so I told the trainer that I have had enough. In the end of all that training, I was worried and asked him, "what else do I need to improve?" He told me that everything was good, and told me I need more stamina. As I removed the gloves, my hands were noticeably shaking tremendously, as I had a hard time writing a signature for the concluded session. It almost looked like "Parkinson's", but I knew it was all adrenaline. Retiring to the locker room, I joined some people in the sauna. (After a few days, my skin got so much better.) I showered, packed my things, and left. It was one heck of a training session that I will never forget.

Pacquiao-Margarito Hype

As the upcoming Pacquiao-Margarito fight is fast approaching, I thought I'd be able to put some real analysis on how it's going to be played, my prediction, and it's significance. First off, I'd like to say that, I had a very bad day, but thanks to some posts in Facebook, I never thought that I'd be updated with the current "Face to Face segment with Max Kellerman" which featured both Pacquiao and Margarito. I've seen the previous segments of it, since the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, and it never fails to create some hype or bring interest to a viewer. I remembered the phrase "ding, ding, round one", for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, as it signifies the awaiting of one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. The current segment for Pacquiao-Margarito somehow, closed the day for me to smile again, and feel like shouting with aggression. I was like, "Man oh man!!" and you can hear me shouting "Oh yeah!" and up until now, every hair in my body is standing, just like some surge of adrenaline, being incorporated into my system. The entire clip in youtube, seems to look like some serious talk like they always do, and some indirect threats, that intrigues your mind, and make you unconsciously say that "This is gonna be a great fight" or "I can't wait til' these guys trade some leather." In the video, Pacquiao and Margarito were seated face to face, and as the discussion goes on, Freddie Roach said that Manny Pacquiao is going to knock Antonio Margarito in eight rounds. Margarito, in response, seemed to joke saying "does he see me crippled?", and Roach replied, "I've seen your last two fights", and that reply definitely put a serious face on Margarito. Knowing that Pacquiao has been dominating opponents, and is more often being favored to win by knock out, I thought that Margarito really has to put some serious thought on what he's getting into. That simple magic from HBO boxing, was enough to put some fire into my heart, that seemed to burn me inside with adrenaline. So the fight is going to be on the 13th of November, in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito Fight.

How is it going to be played?

As a boxing analyst, (I have analyzed lots of fights that seemed to agree with my theories and expectations) I will point out the difference between the two, starting off with height. Margarito is taller than Pacquiao, as the fight goes along, I know it wouldn't be a factor. As I've seen Margarito's fights, he is the type who bends his head towards his chest, and is more of a slugger than a boxer. I can compare Margarito to Oscar de la Hoya, but in terms of skills, a prime De la Hoya, to me, is better. Pacquiao will be lunging in and out like he always does, which will help to his advantage. Pacquiao has better boxing ability compared to Margarito. I can picture, Margarito chasing on Pacquiao, as he is turning on angles, going in and out. In terms of speed, Pacquiao is on the clear advantage, hands down. The fight will seem to follow the same pattern of the De la Hoya-Pacquiao fight, as Manny will be utilizing his footwork, trying to turn Margarito, who is a slugger. In terms of power, I believe, Pacquiao should not take a gamble, and trade with Margarito. I suggest that he should be contented hammering him, with boxing. Margarito's uppercuts are lethal, but Pacquiao's "in and out" will neutralize that. Pacquiao will have an advantage of stance, as he is a southpaw. I expect, lots of left straights from Manny in this fight.

My Prediction

Pacquiao will win by knock out! An early knock down, is possible, perhaps in the third to fifth rounds. The knock out will come at rounds eight to ten. It will never go past round 10. Pacquiao will use some boxing in the early rounds, with some flashes of power, here and there. As the fight progresses, I can see Margarito slowing considerably on rounds six onwards. Pacquiao will take advantage on that reduction of speed, and will start hammering and trading shots at that point. Margarito will be on the defensive on the later rounds, and I can see Pacquiao chasing him, and pouring lots of punches. I say this, it's because, Margarito isn't much of a fast fighter, so I can see Pacquiao hurting Margarito early. As Margarito is being pummeled continuously, he won't be the same, that's why I said he'd slow down. All in all, the key for Pacquiao to winning the fight is, boxing ability, power, accuracy, foot work, angles, and speed. As for Margarito, if he could learn to counter effectively, it would make Pacquiao more hesitant, and would work to his advantage. Margarito should fight tall, and use that solid left jab of his. He should not expect a slug fest from Manny, because it's not going to happen, so the best way is for him to box effectively. The first who makes the mistake, will be the first to lose, that is why, patience is a virtue, especially in boxing.

It's Significance

If Manny Pacquiao will win this fight, it would make him an eight division world champion, putting him further to the top, as the first one to do it. The second fighter to win a championship in different divisions, only won at six weight classes, therefore, an eight division champion is definitely unheard of. It will cement his status as part of the Hall of fame, and an all time great. If Margarito will pull out an impressive upset, it will garner him the status as part of the elite rankings in his division, and pound for pound. If Margarito will win this, I think Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be top one, and Margarito will be top two respectively.

Final Thoughts

Again, all these are opinions, and anything can happen in the boxing ring. Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito are great fighters, and I expect a great fight from them that people will talk for ages. HBO boxing has been so great for the sport, I wish they would continue to do what they do, in bringing excitement in major boxing events. I will leave you all with some words to ponder, as I say, "A challenge, is a food for champions, without them, there will be no champions."

Trivia

Antonio Margarito was banned for years due to illegal hand wrapping with a solution of "Plaster of Paris" after his fight with Sugar Shane Mosley.

Antonio Margarito has the same boxing nickname as I am, as he is the "Tijuana Tornado", my nickname is "Tornado".

"The Zone"

As you walk into the gloom, and turned on the lights. You see the heavy bag, a pair of gloves, and some shoes. Seeing the heavy bag, let's you recall the past successes that you've been training with it. As you see the shoes, your mind instantly tells you, "Who cares!?", so you left it. You decided to pick up the gloves and wear them, being too excited that you don't even wear the hand wraps anymore. So you started throwing a jab on the bag. It started spinning, and as it spins, you hit it with a hard right hand. As you see the bag flung through your power, you felt awe, that somehow triggered an indescribable feeling. Something that somehow surpasses, Holy, Love, Achievement, Sex, and other complex feelings in this world. A feeling of intense energy, that seems unlimited for that moment. Being able to hit harder than expected. Feeling an Increased stamina, for that very splendid moment. Others call it, "Adrenaline Rush", but I call it.. "The Zone". True to studies, adrenaline does help in physical performance. As a boxer, the feeling is not a stranger to me. You can feel it when the trigger comes. As for me, I get "The Zone", when I see an opponent staggering. So I continue to pummel, until the feeling is gradually lost. The after effect will make you feel the tiredness, that you should have felt on that rush. On "The Zone", you somehow, forget everything that keeps a man, human. You will feel perfect, without hesitation. Perhaps, this is one reason, why fighters continue to fight, it's not about the money, but it's more about the feeling. Amateurs wouldn't know what I'm talking about until they experienced them. Just think, If only you could sustain that moment longer, you will indefinitely be indestructible. In that moment, feeling like a God, is unavoidable.

Conclusion:

Adrenaline rush, or how I call it "The Zone", is a specialized way of a human to protect itself, placing it's full potential on brief moments, or depending on how stressful an environment has become. Again, it is triggered by the Fight or Flight response, which is also triggered by stress. Although the feeling, I've felt is not the flight response type, but the fight type, and is coinciding with the boxing saying "Killer instincts". Remember, being the threat is more relaxing, than being at threat. Through experience, a constant burst of "The Zone", will develop a sense of contentment, well-being, and happiness, which is perhaps the after effect of exercise, since adrenaline is released with endorphins at the same time. It may also develop an optimistic and narcissistic approach in life, but it all depends on the person. I theorize, that primitive species of humans, are far more physically controlling, and that adrenaline rush is created, through the evolution of man, because of the inactive fighting lifestyle of man. As we get civilized, brute force is less used nowadays, so we diminish ourselves from our truest potential, but to protect our species, our body has found a way to trigger the same primitive strength, but only on few moments called "The Zone", in order to use the actual human strength, as was the case in the past.

Final Thoughts:

I sometimes say things to people like.. "If you can feel the feeling that I feel right now, or if I can share it to the world, the world would be a better place, everyone will be so contented and happy." I theorize that it may be the effect of both the adrenaline and endorphins. So if you're feeling depressed and want to feel great, then try a workout session now, because the feeling stays for long, so go use that adrenaline! I'm inspired to write this post a week ago, because of it's significance, especially today, where I started again back to my usual training regimen. Today I used 18 oz gloves (A pretty heavy glove that I wanted to replace for a lighter one) which clearly reduced my efficacy, speed, and power. The impact was reduced, but I still managed to drop the heavy bag from it's chains, nonetheless. Adrenaline must be the culprit for that sudden increase in punching power.

Negative to Positive

Recently, I've had been confused on certain matters, that I never thought I'd be concerned of, but in the back of my mind, I knew, eventually, I will have to face them. These problems though, have only surfaced after taking a brief period of rest in my training regimen. Just as I've said in the past, I had to focus on academics, and had stopped my favorite training (Heavy Bag, because I dropped it several times, in the peak of my conditioning and power). I usually drive off stress through boxing. In psychological talk, I utilize a combination of coping mechanisms to fight stress. I use both Sublimation and Displacement, both driving me to physical excellence, and a positive mindset. In the absence of it, I felt a bit, empty, although watching a boxing match can suffice the need for it, but in time, it has become too far and too less. I began to take stress on the inside, the sensation of burning your heart with hate, remorse, and revenge. I never felt anything like it in a long time. I knew at that time, I needed to get back. I thought that maybe, I should learn other ways to take on stress, and not be dependent on the heavy bag. So I went on, and until now, I've ended up empty. Nothing feels much better for me, than to train towards excellence. It reminds me of the days, when I was contented with my lifestyle, in the past. The days where I watch boxing matches, that made me so excited and pumped up, that it never fails to put me on my feet. The feeling of adrenaline rushing through your veins, when you punch. Admiring your strength, grit, perseverance, and taking it more than your limits at the time that it matters the most. A day of contentment, and a promise of a bright future, and every single day, gives you a reason to smile. I've felt it now, and have raised the heavy bag, back on the chains. With two new reinforced steel grips, I will never be disappointed. After a day of doing this training, after a long time of inactivity, I noticed the physiological changes in my body's chemistry. I have been positive once again, and not as prone to depression as was the case in the past. As I've studied, I begin to believe, that this positive effect is caused by the combination of both adrenaline and endorphins, secreted throughout my system, as an effect of the exercise I did. It works well on my well-being, and I'm loving every moment of life. And so, I will keep on pouring the punches til' I'm contented. Every punch will be an inspiration to fight adversity, and making myself a better person. As I inspire myself, I hope to inspire others as well. That even the weak, becomes strong, and that all problems, can be overcome with faith. God will bring you to your greatest if you believe in him. I will say, that I have no beliefs that I am great, but I do believe, that there is a God, and that he is great. I may be strong, but it is God, who allowed it. All through out, I've learned, that a fighter's instincts will remain, even if days, or months of inactivity will occur in a fighter, just give him a pair of gloves, and a heavy bag, he will always resurrect his older self. The killer's instinct will not die, it will always be a part of what a true fighter is made of, from the trials he has overcome, to the toughness that he has built in him. The essence of a Champion, is the ability to overcome challenges, and face adversity, yet is still strong, despite the negative factors that surrounds him. It is determined on how you stay on your feet, even if your body say's "Go down", or your mind play's tricks on you, and say "Give up, it's hopeless." A Champion remains standing and strong. When you love something which is natural, it will always be a part of you. As that's said, Boxing will always be a part of me no matter what, despite the risks of physical complications that surround it. It all started with discovering great power, being passionate for the game, and a mindset of a champion. It's all a learning process.

Picture: A snapshot of the video game, Fight Night Round 4, showing Erik "El Terrible" Morales throwing a left handed body shot on the Heavy Bag.