Taking up boxing was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life, and I've found the sport to be incredibly rewarding.

I found a MMA gym that had a few boxing classes, and signed up to a 10 week program. I almost puked in the first 2 weeks after just the warm-up! After the full 10 weeks, however, there were noticeable results. My fitness improved dramatically and I was able to keep up in the training sessions. Mind you, I also did roadwork in my own spare time that helped a lot.

I have never been an athletic person and my diet was pretty poor. After about 6 months I'd dropped about 4-5 kilos, increased my strength and cardio and I was enjoying every minute of it. Unfortunately I loved it so much that I overtrained and now injuries have put me out and I haven't trained for close to 12 months. I intend to start again from step 1, however, and I think you're going to really love the sport.

While you're still researching and deciding, you can take action now. Get your running shoes on and run everyday. Go buy a rope for $5 bucks and do 3 minute sessions, 4 times a day. Change your diet slowly if you have to, by eating clean for a day until you can eat clean for a week.