Success Story- Interview with Harry Hughes

December 5, 2015 4:18 pm / Posted in Interview, Success Stories

In February 2015 Harry Hughes, 77 years old, sat down with me to share his interest in improving his overall fitness through weight lifting and personal training. At that time I asked him, “Would you like to try boxing?”. He laughed at me and thought I was making a joke.

“I am serious Harry want to give it a try?”

“And how would that benefit me in my goals?”, Harry said.

“It will improve your balance, hand-eye coordination, cardio, and strength. Also, it really feels good to unload a few good punches.”

“Ok Burke, let’s give it a try”.

After eight months of training two times per week, I asked Harry if I could interview him about his fitness story and what he thought about boxing.

 

Harry, what have you done in the past regarding exercise?

As a kid I did most sports, then when I went to high-school and University I focused on basketball. In my 30’s I had too many responsibilities and did little regarding fitness. In my 40’s I figured that I had to do something for my health so I took up running. I ran several marathons and did that for several years. In my 50’s I ran into some problems with my knees and had to cut back, so I started walking, playing tennis and working out. I was pretty fit in my 50’s and 60’s but then ran into a problem. I was diagnosed with colon cancer.  I had to get colon surgery and do chemotherapy. It really knocked me back to square one in terms of fitness. Then I gradually started to come back with walking and a bit of gym classes. Within 10 years I got back some of my fitness.

Harry, what are you doing now to keep in shape?

I am doing some fast interval walking and working with you on some other things like weights, balance and fitness boxing which I am enjoying a lot.  Boxing really makes me feel good and I am feeling the benefits of it.
And why do you like boxing so much?

My father was interested in boxing and I used to watch boxing on TV in the 50’s with him. My younger brother took up boxing and I enjoyed watching him. It never appealed to me at the time. I was busy doing other things and I was skinny and strength was not my big card, but now that I am doing this I am enjoying it. It’s good for my balance, coordination and I find it challenging. I think it is very valuable in terms of fitness, surprising not too many people would think of boxing for that purpose.

When you tell people you are boxing, what do they say?

They get a big surprise. You don’t meet people in their 70’s doing boxing. My goals are just to be as fit as I can be and keep old age at bay. I feel the benefit from it every day, I don’t feel good when I miss it. I also think it is good for the brain. You get up into your late 70’s and early 80’s there’s a lot of talk about dementia and that is a terrible thing to have happen. I think that this type of training helps in that regard.

 

Category: Interview, Success Stories

Posted by Burke