My phone dings like the bell in a boxing ring, signifying the last round. My heart is pounding. My vision grows fuzzy. Sweat rolls down my face. I refocus and correct my form—face guarded at all times, equal weight distribution in my feet, a slight rotation as I punch forward. For the past few weeks, I’ve tackled virtual fitness challenges from Naples’ The Sweet Science Boxing and Fitness’ co-owner—the former IBF World Title Challenger Billy Lyell and three-time Middleweight World Champion Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik.
The boxing champs partnered with Naples-based app development company Divine Digital to create the Sweet Science Boxing & Fitness app, where they share curated workouts with more than 300 boxing combinations alternating various ducks, jabs, and right- and left-hand hooks, along with 100-plus body-sculpting sessions that pair traditional crunches and squats with punches. New 40-minute courses are released daily. All I need is a punching bag or 2-pound dumbbells. Once the foundation is set, the following classes incorporate new combos to keep things challenging. I finish feeling accomplished—and sweaty.
Sweet Science’s co-owner and nutrition coach Jessica Lyell rounds out the training with healthy recipes. (Mexican chicken tortilla soup with avocado and cotija cheese—yes, please.) Tracking progress on the app makes it easier to reach goals. The program has plenty of options to meet athletes where they are. Set the pace yourself and channel your inner Muhammad Ali—the app will keep you accountable.