I moved last summer. I had been through a few rounds of physical therapy for a muscle imbalance in my shoulders, but the therapy had only really gotten me through the workday, and not improved my daily life.

By the time my move was over, my shoulders and neck were about as bad as they had ever been, and spent most days in a giant knot resulting in chronic headaches.

I had previously done triathlons, martial arts, and was a classical cellist, so sitting around in pain wasn’t really my idea of fun. Soon after the move, an ad caught my eye in a free magazine for a boxing class. I had no idea if my shoulders would even allow me to punch something, but I also thought that if they did, maybe it would be the kind of workout I needed.

I went to class a little early that evening to talk to our trainer. I walked into our studio and tried to explain my problems to him but ended up crying because I was so frustrated that I couldn’t just do anything I wanted. He told me to give it a try for a week and see how it goes, and the rest is history.

Since joining, I’ve really enjoyed using the tests to set new goals for myself. I recently executed the expanded combo forward and southpaw, and hope to get my mitts soon. More importantly, I am able to run, ride my bike, and do whatever I want again. My favorite days include a morning PGB class, work, and then riding my bike to an evening PGB class.

PGB has inspired me in other areas of my life, as well. I am in the process of developing a free exercise program for my workplace, and I have been thinking about getting my personal training certification.

Not only has Pink Gloves gotten me in shape, but it has made me emotionally and mentally stronger, and I feel like I can do anything again.