Bob Bartlett - Trains 3 Days a week

and enthusiasm goes from zero to 60 fast – which is one reason why Bob continues to train, consistently, 3 days a week with John Drake.  Here is what Bob had to say about working out at Drake’s Downtown Gym…

The title says it all… check out this awesome clip.  If it says “video unavailable” just double click on it to watch it directly on Youtube.

“I’ve been a friend and client of John’s for a long

Mr. February

time.  I’ve been here since the very beginning – I mean VERY beginning when I worked out at Reality Fitness in the Oregon District – John’s first gym.  Because I have no sense of time or reality (pardon the pun), I don’t know how long ago that was.”

What advice do you have for newbies? My advice for newbies – don’t be a pussy and realize that John has your best interest at heart related to your fitness goals.  If you wish to have your hand held and to be coddled – wrong gym.

What is your favorite class and/or your favorite part about class? “One on one training with John is second to none as are his cardio/ boxing classes.  However, be prepared to have your ass kicked.  If you don’t like to have your ass kicked – refer to the last sentence of question 2.  I also spend a lot of time on the road and John has helped me develop programs that I can do in the shit hotels that I’m holed up in most of the time.  The man is a true motivator.”

How do you stay motivated? “You are either motivated or you are not – enough said.”

If you were telling somebody about the gym, how would you describe it? “The best way to describe Drake’s Downtown Gym is with a comment a woman gave me years ago about the place.  She said that she quit going because there were not enough mirrors for her to look at herself while she worked out.  That’s how I describe the gym.”

Learn more about Eric at www.ericjerardi.com

Paige Packs a Punch

Paige Bartlett is a long time member of Drake’s Downtown Gym and began training here almost 12 years ago.  She started when the gym was Reality Fitness, located above Ned Peppers, and is still a loyal member today.  She consistently takes the middleweight classes on Tuesday and Thursday morning at 6:30 where she is often seen throwing a mean straight right and chewing gum with each punch.

Paige also trains with John on Mondays and Wednesdays.  “She is in great shape and as I’ve always told her, she’s freakishly strong…” John said recently.

When asked how she started coming to the gym she said “I came up to sell John an ad… and he sold me a membership!”  When asked what motivates her to work out she said she wanted to “to stay strong.”   And she does… you can hear the power of her punches in the video below.

Paige has 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren, and her strength is both physical and mental… true for all boxers.  She is wise, fun and full of energy, even in the early morning class.  We appreciate Paige for her loyalty and dedication to fitness, as well as spirit and enthusiasm for boxing.

1- Place feet comfortably apart.  Put your weight on the balls of your feet.  You should feel “on balance” and able to move easily.  Put about the same amount of weight on each foot.

2 – Bend your knees slightly. Not too much or you’ll find yourself in a crouch, which can be awkward and tiring.

3 – Position yourself slightly sideways to your imaginary opponent. With front foot, hip, and shoulders in line ( This maximizes your reach and minimizes the target area.)

Left hand position: Top of fist in line with top of shoulders, elbow slightly extended but still in position to protect your body.

Right hand position: Fist close to your chin, elbow stays close to your ribs, perpendicular to the floor. Neck and shoulders should be relaxed not “tight”.

The Classic Stance is also referred to as orthodox. Proper stance is the key to executing all boxing moves correctly!