Words Shelley Tice
Photos Calver Photography
There is something about the end of a long week that begs for a reset. Not a collapse-on-the-sofa kind of reset, but the kind that wakes you up, gets your blood moving and reminds you that trying something new can be exactly what you need.
This column is all about those moments. Get out of the house. Get out of routine. Get out and support local businesses. Get out and meet new people. Sometimes all it takes is saying yes to an idea that might feel just a little bit outside your comfort zone.
For my husband and me, that idea came in the form of boxing. To be clear, neither of us has a background in boxing: no childhood lessons, no competitive aspirations, and no illusions of stepping into an actual ring. What we did have was curiosity, a desire to move our bodies differently, and a recommendation for Teddy’s Boxing & Fitness in Sidney. So, we signed up for their introductory boxing class and decided to give something new a try.
What happened was a welcoming, energizing and fun, albeit sweaty, way to end the week.
Teddy’s Boxing & Fitness is located in the Sidney Industrial Park. It is close enough to home that it did not feel like an effort to get there, and there is plenty of free street parking. That alone removes a surprising amount of friction when trying a new class. Just park, walk in and start.
Inside, the space feels welcoming and approachable. Yes, there are mirrors, but not for comparing yourself to anyone else. It is about awareness, not appearance. The overall vibe is energized and fun, the kind of environment where beginners can breathe a little easier.
We were welcomed by owner Anna Kerevan (pictured here), whose easy confidence set the tone immediately. Anna has a gift for making boxing feel accessible. She walked us through the fundamentals step by step, starting with how to stand, how to move your feet, and how to think about balance and alignment before throwing a single punch.
From there, we learned a couple of basic punches and had the opportunity to try them out on the heavy bags and pads. The workout was energetic and engaging, but never overwhelming. Anna offered clear explanations, encouragement and helpful adjustments, ensuring everyone felt supported and capable, regardless of experience.
One of the things I appreciated most was the mix of people in the class. There were clear first-timers like us, alongside regulars who were familiar with the flow of the workout. That blend created an atmosphere that felt inclusive rather than intimidating. Everyone was simply there to learn, move and get stronger in their own way.
For anyone who has ever talked themselves out of trying a new fitness class because it might feel too intense or too advanced, Teddy’s offers a great alternative. The focus is on learning the basics, building confidence and meeting people where they are.
By the end of the class, we were sweaty, smiling and genuinely surprised by how accomplished we felt. There is something deeply satisfying about learning a new skill, especially one that requires both mental focus and physical effort. We left feeling energized and proud of ourselves, even as we began to notice a few new muscle aches settling in. Those aches felt earned.
For us, this experience was a reminder of what the Get Out! column is really about. Get out and try something you have never done before. Get out and support a local business that is building a welcoming community. Get out and meet people who are showing up for themselves, whether it is their first class or their 50th.
We left with a sense of accomplishment, renewed energy and a shared experience that made for a great end to the week. We are already looking forward to going back.
