Walking through the door at Lift Strength and Conditioning Centre, also home to Bahrain Boxing Club, it’s exactly what you would expect of a fighters’ hangout. A bunch of people on the floor in a boot camp class doing crunches, others shadow boxing with the rows of punch bags, and still others waiting to smack the hell out of an electronic punching machine.
The music doesn’t drown out the sound of leather on leather and there’s a fair amount of grunting. The ring in the corner is the arena for a sparring session, coaches at the side offering encouragement and ensuring that Queensberry Rules are obeyed – as demanded by a hand-written chalkboard at the entrance.
But, what is unusual about this place is that it’s a mixed crowd. There are women in the boot camp and at the punching bags! Ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes; working out, hitting the bags; and in the ring – here, at least, there is no gender gap.
The gym runs regular black-tie fight nights. The next one is coming up at the Crowne Plaza on May 3 and Leanne Dismore, 38, Ragad Alnaimi, 23, Manal Al Saraf, 40, Hind Ahmed, 27, Janice Christie, 41, and — the baby of the bunch — 16-year-old Yasmine Abuhamad will be on the bill alongside their male counterparts.
Most are newcomers to the sport. In fact, though some have a little previous experience, all have been boxing at Lift for less than a year. So, what inspires them to take their lives in their gloves and slug it out in front an eager crowd?
Hind immediately pipes up: “It’s cheaper than therapy!” This accountant and food blogger adds: “I’ve tried all sorts of sports, but this is the best. But, I have to admit, I’m quite a girly girl. The first time I got hit, I fell down and cried – but look at me now!”
Janice and Leanne regularly train together and decided to give it a go after attending Fight Night 3. Janice says: “We just looked at each other and said ‘We can do that.’ I think, for me, it was influenced by turning 40 last year and looking for a new challenge. This has certainly been that.
“We usually train with bags and sparring pads [where another person holds the pad for the fighter to hit but there’s no physical contact], so I was a bit unsure that I could actually take being hit. I asked one of our trainers to get in the ring and knock me about a bit; it was initially a bit scary but now I’m fine.”
Leanne adds: “I want to be able to say I set myself a challenge and achieved it – to come out the other side. In training, these girls have been brilliant, so supportive and I love the hard work. Even if you’ve had a tough day, you come here and work it out and always go home feeling better.
“My family have been a bit concerned; they’re worried about what will happen if I get hurt, since I am here by myself. But, I tell them we’re like a family and they are still supportive and proud.”
Ragad’s sporty family are also supportive. Her sister is a CrossFit trainer and her dad’s into soccer. She, herself, took up boxing with Rumble Fit in New York and couldn’t wait to get back into action on her return to Bahrain.
Yasmine initially took up boxing alongside her brother, who has since moved on to basketball. She says: “At first my mum was like: ‘Why do you want to do that? It’s not a sport for girls.’ But she can see that I enjoy it and I’m improving all the time.”
And Manal adds that her extremely proud sons are also joining in. The auditor actually took part in Fight Night 3, having only been boxing for a few months at the time. She says: “I wanted to try something new and this is not just another form of exercise, it’s about power and impact.”
All the women say they have seen a big improvement in their fitness, and Manal adds: “It’s also great for your overall confidence; not just in your own strength but in your day-to-day life.”
Summing up what they hope to gain from taking part in Fight Night, Leanne concludes: “Just to come out the other side and be able to say ‘I did it.’ And to give these girls a hug and congratulate them at the end.
“I’d also love to encourage other women to come along and give it a go. It’s not just a men’s sport, it’s hard work but great for everyone.”
As the Lift philosophy goes “Train hard, fight easy.” These girls are ready to rumble.
Check out our website at:
www.womanthismonth.com to see the women in action. And Lift will be live streaming the fights on the night if you can’t get there in person.
