When most people think of boxing, they think of the fights they see on TV-often bloody, brutal, and seemingly painful for all parties involved. Last year, I tried kickboxing, which is a no contact sport that involves hitting a bag instead of another person. So when a friend of mine suggested I try actual boxing, in which another person's fists close to my face would most likely be involved, I shied away from the idea.

But whether there is contact or not, boxing is a great workout both physically and emotionally. It's a full cardio workout that incorporates both your arms and legs, and in the process you learn from self defense as well. It's a much-needed way to take out some anger, only instead of taking it out on your boss, you take it out on a bag or on someone well protected by padding. Even better, it is a way to take away your anger altogether. Often when I'm focused on a workout, I don't have the time or energy tow worry about the things I normally stress over.

My first intro session at a Muay Thai gym in Tampa involved not only learning about "dirty boxing" (i.e fighting in which using your elbows and knees is encouraged), but having the opportunity to practice it on another person, as well as having it practiced on you. It is a fun and simultaneously somewhat terrifying experience.

Not only that, boxing increases your hand-eye coordination. It takes skill and effort to be able to learn and remember certain combinations as well as react when you're practicing with someone else who is holding up pads in front of you. It's like the perfect blend of mind and body.

For me, boxing is an enjoyable way to stay in shape. Much like joining any other gym, it is inspiring to watch others around you and hear their own stories. It is uplifting to hear the stories of people who first joined and could barely kick, who are now passing difficult tests and winning sparring matches with others. It is quite the confidence booster to imagine that you, too, could one day face off against someone you would have never been able to imagine fighting with before-and win.