A REDDITCH businesswoman has launched a new exercise class to empower women.
Beautician, Sharon Neath, who has run Boo-Chic since 2010, was encouraged to start the new venture after she was diagnosed with cancer 23 years ago.
Although she made a recovery, Sharon was left suffering from lymphoedema, which causes swelling on the right side of her body, leaving her feeling unwell and unfit.
This was only made worse by her partner’s death with her weight spiralling to more than 15st to mask her unhappiness.
Sharon said: “I knew I was drinking and eating too much which led to a vicious circle of more unhappiness, but I just couldn’t find a way out.
“I tried some exercise classes but because of the lymphedema, I achieved limited success and my frustration continued.”
In July 2022 she met Graham Mumford, one of the owners of Ringside Boxing Club, and he challenged her to join a boxing session.
Sharon added: “Never in a million years did I think I would go, but as I love a challenge, I bet him £20 that I would join a session the next week.
“I remember being so nervous when I walked in the door that day as I knew that a pure boxing gym was predominantly a male environment.
“In my first session I felt as if my world had changed.”
Sharon was quickly hooked and was soon attending boxing classes three times a week coached by Graham.
She said: “There were still very few women at the club but I didn’t care.
“Boxing classes changed my headspace.
“I loved the way my stress and problems seemed to melt away whilst also improving my energy, confidence and fitness levels.”
In August this year, recognising Sharon’s passion and enthusiasm for boxing, Graham and his co-owner Jim suggested she train to become a coach.
They believed that she could be instrumental in promoting boxing for women and by challenging the pre-conception that a boxing gym is a man’s domain.
Through hard work and determination, she finally became a qualified coach.
Sharon is now offering boxing classes for women three times a week.
Visit ringsideboxingfitness.co.uk for more.
