Boxing Coach,
Sabrina Accime
Sabrina Accime
Interview with Sabrina:
What first inspired you/got you started with boxing?
Prior to moving to Seattle, I had gotten acquainted with strength training. I had gained confidence with training without a personal trainer and finally mastered making the necessary adjustments on an exercise machine. But then I moved to Seattle at the height of lockdown, and like many avid gym goers, I had to resort to working out at home which I wasn’t a fan of.
While exploring my new neighborhood, I discovered a boxing gym within walking distance and decided to sign up for one of their free classes. I’ve always wanted to take a self defense class but never actively sought out opportunities until then. I had no prior knowledge of boxing and I didn’t think performing WWE wrestling moves on siblings counted. A few boxing classes later, I discovered I really enjoyed it. Boxing became a really great outlet for me and it helped me navigate all the new changes and uncertainty I was experiencing at that time.
Do you have a favorite part of boxing?
My favorite part of boxing is the boxing stance. A fighter’s boxing stance sets the tone on how well a fighter will fight. If your hands aren’t up, you risk getting punched in the face. If your core isn’t engaged, you risk not being able to transfer the force from your legs to your fists. If your feet aren’t placed correctly, you risk being thrown off balance. Lastly, if the chin isn’t tucked, you risk encountering someone doing the iconic Mortal Kombat uppercut move on you.
I personally hate doing cardio, but I found boxing to be a form of cardio I really enjoy doing because it's fun and challenging. I currently box one to two times per week.
Where do you hope to go with your boxing?
I hope to continue to teach boxing. I really enjoy seeing someone execute their first combo or get better at boxing overtime. I have a lot of respect for the sport and even more respect for people who pursue this across the various weight classes and divisions. Although I may not pursue boxing professionally, I try to train myself and others close to that level.
What motivates you to keep working on boxing?
Boxing is commonly viewed as a male sport. The percentage of boxers that are women is 31%. What motivates me to keep boxing is the fact that I hope to inspire women and girls of all ages to get into the sport or try it out. Boxing is a great form of cardio that will humble you. What’s funny is that I started my fitness journey wanting to gain a ton of muscles but when I tried boxing for the first time, I had to make changes to my workout regime. I had quickly learned that, I couldn’t move around a bag as fast and I couldn’t keep up with 8 rounds of boxing. I had to change my fitness around so that flexibility, agility and stamina wasn’t a hindrance in my boxing.
Anything else that you would like to share?
Outside of the gym and teaching classes, I’m currently studying to get my certification in personal training. It was through teaching boxing classes that I discovered I wanted to pursue becoming a certified personal trainer as a second career. My first career is in tech. I’m a Software Engineer whose specialty is in web development
Prior to moving to Seattle, I had gotten acquainted with strength training. I had gained confidence with training without a personal trainer and finally mastered making the necessary adjustments on an exercise machine. But then I moved to Seattle at the height of lockdown, and like many avid gym goers, I had to resort to working out at home which I wasn’t a fan of.
While exploring my new neighborhood, I discovered a boxing gym within walking distance and decided to sign up for one of their free classes. I’ve always wanted to take a self defense class but never actively sought out opportunities until then. I had no prior knowledge of boxing and I didn’t think performing WWE wrestling moves on siblings counted. A few boxing classes later, I discovered I really enjoyed it. Boxing became a really great outlet for me and it helped me navigate all the new changes and uncertainty I was experiencing at that time.
Do you have a favorite part of boxing?
My favorite part of boxing is the boxing stance. A fighter’s boxing stance sets the tone on how well a fighter will fight. If your hands aren’t up, you risk getting punched in the face. If your core isn’t engaged, you risk not being able to transfer the force from your legs to your fists. If your feet aren’t placed correctly, you risk being thrown off balance. Lastly, if the chin isn’t tucked, you risk encountering someone doing the iconic Mortal Kombat uppercut move on you.
I personally hate doing cardio, but I found boxing to be a form of cardio I really enjoy doing because it's fun and challenging. I currently box one to two times per week.
Where do you hope to go with your boxing?
I hope to continue to teach boxing. I really enjoy seeing someone execute their first combo or get better at boxing overtime. I have a lot of respect for the sport and even more respect for people who pursue this across the various weight classes and divisions. Although I may not pursue boxing professionally, I try to train myself and others close to that level.
What motivates you to keep working on boxing?
Boxing is commonly viewed as a male sport. The percentage of boxers that are women is 31%. What motivates me to keep boxing is the fact that I hope to inspire women and girls of all ages to get into the sport or try it out. Boxing is a great form of cardio that will humble you. What’s funny is that I started my fitness journey wanting to gain a ton of muscles but when I tried boxing for the first time, I had to make changes to my workout regime. I had quickly learned that, I couldn’t move around a bag as fast and I couldn’t keep up with 8 rounds of boxing. I had to change my fitness around so that flexibility, agility and stamina wasn’t a hindrance in my boxing.
Anything else that you would like to share?
Outside of the gym and teaching classes, I’m currently studying to get my certification in personal training. It was through teaching boxing classes that I discovered I wanted to pursue becoming a certified personal trainer as a second career. My first career is in tech. I’m a Software Engineer whose specialty is in web development