Below is a link to an incredible story about a boxing gym that exists under a viaduct in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The photographer did an amazing job.  I highly recommend taking a few moments to look through his work.

Boxing Their Own Worst Enemy

Stories like this are a welcome slap in the face to today’s fitness industry.  As you will see within, the fighters at this gym excel in an environment that is as low-tech as anything you’ll ever see.  Clearly, access to equipment is not what determines their success.  Success instead comes from the obvious desire that these athletes possess and apply to whatever tools are available to them.

And while this gym may appear crude and barbaric to some, fighters have thrived in minimalistic settings for longer than we’ve all been alive.  Many of the greatest fighters of all time came from poverty-stricken environments.

As countless athletes have demonstrated before, greatness does not come from a piece of equipment.  It comes from a ravenous desire to succeed.  If you are passionate about improving, you will find a way to advance with anything, or nothing.

If there was ever any doubt about low-tech training, these fighters have ended the debate.

Below is a recent ESPN feature story about the death of Francisco “Paco” Rodriguez.  Paco died in 2009 after engaging in a battle with Teon Kennedy for the USBA super bantamweight title.

Following Paco’s tragic death, organ donation helped his uncle and four women receive the gift of life.  The video below tells the full story.

As a former fighter and current trainer, this story really hit me hard.  I was at a loss for words after watching it.  I highly recommend taking the time to watch the video in its entirety.  It will certainly help you to appreciate the life you have.  So often we take it for granted…

+++++

If you are unable to view the video above based on your location, you can use the following links (Part I and Part II)

Below is a brief video that was recently posted to my Facebook page.  It is less than 2 minutes, but still long enough to get the blood flowing.  Within the clip, you’ll hear words from those such as Al Pacino and Nick Vujicic (both featured in previous entries).

Enjoy…

Within the video below, I demonstrate an inexpensive modification that can be made to a jump rope handle (plastic speed rope).  I then provide a brief demonstration of the rope in action with slow motion clips included as well.

+++++

As for the handle itself, I’ve included some pictures below to clarify any confusion.  One point that I did not mention within the video is that I tied a knot at the very end of the rope before wrapping each handle.  This was done to prevent the rope from being pulled through the handle before it was thoroughly taped.

+++++

After wrapping the rope tightly with the cotton material, I then secure each end with a tight strip of duct tape.

+++++

I then continue to wrap the handle until it is solid.  I leave approximately 1/8″ of an inch between the tape and the end of the cotton material.  Be sure to wrap the tape very tightly at this point.

+++++

After several weeks of regular use, you can see how the rope has not be worn down at all where it meets the handle.

+++++

For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below.

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

I’ve had several people email me about wrapping a fighter’s hands with gauze on fight night.  While hand wrapping is certainly an art, you can always learn by watching masters of the trade.  If you’d like to see one of the best in the business, take a look at the video below.  You will see Jacob “Stitch” Duran in action.  You may also enjoy reading this article about Stitch.

+++++

For a more generic hand wrapping instructional, you may enjoy the following links (part 1, part 2, part 3).

No two hands are the same and everyone wraps differently, but you can certainly pick up a few ideas by watching others in action.

Within the video below, I demonstrate how to build and use an inexpensive, yet strong belt for weighted dips and pull-ups.

+++++

In an entry from 2009, I posted a similar video where an individual had made a belt with pipe insulation.  I used a thicker foam for my belt however to ensure comfort when holding heavy loads.  It took just a few minutes to make and it has comfortably held over 200 pounds.

Close up images are available below for those interested:

+++++

For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below.

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

If you are seeing this post, it means that you are currently seeing the site on its new server.

There have been a few hiccups throughout the migration, but everything should be resolved very soon.  Once everything has been tested, I will look forward to adding new content to the site.

The forum has not yet been enabled.  I hope to have it back soon.

I apologize for all of the recent downtime.  It will soon be a thing of the past.

Thank you again for your patience,

Ross Enamait

Over the next few days, the site will be migrating to a new server.  During this time, the blog and forum will be temporarily disabled.

My email may also be down at times.  If you need to contact me, you can message me through Facebook or at ross@rossboxing.com.

I apologize for any inconvenience.  I look forward to working with a much improved server however that should allow for faster loading times and plenty of room to grow.

Ross

I have uploaded a new video tutorial that discusses how to acquire a large tractor tire to be used for flipping and a variety of other exercises. A few sample movements are also demonstrated (beginning at approximately 3:23).

+++++

For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below.

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

If you are familiar with this blog, you know that I enjoy inspirational quotes from the past.   There is always something to learn from those who have come before us.

One quote that I’ve highlighted previously comes from Thomas Edison.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

This quote came to my mind immediately after watching the video below.   Within the clip, you will see an amazing collegiate race from 2008.  I had never seen it before until last week.  I won’t spoil the event for you, but let’s just say that Heather Dorniden has inspired many through her refusal to give up.

While on the subject of giving up, it’s no surprise that Thomas Edison was so adamant against it.  The quote above isn’t his only on this particular topic.  He also went on to say,

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

There is so much truth to his words.  It’s doubtful that we’ll ever realize our true potential.  If you keep trying to improve, it is bound to happen eventually.  The odds will certainly be in your favor.  I’d much rather be stubborn than someone who packs up whenever the going gets tough.