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West Jordan Journal

Boxers fight to relieve stress and depression

May 20, 2021 10:52AM ● By Greg James

Boxing can relieve stress. Bfit boxing is scheduled to host an event to raise money for suicide prevention.

By Greg James |  [email protected] 

With all the stress in the world nowadays, maybe take up boxing.

Physically hitting a punching bag produces a response in your body that helps to relieve tension. 

“We are committed to standing up against depression and suicide with strength and honor,” Bfit Boxing trainer Johnny Olguin said. 

According to the American Psychological Association, 75%vof Americans have experienced stress symptoms in the last month. Money, work and the future of our country top the list.

Stress negatively impacts the body and your health. It can cause headaches, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure and heart attacks. The stress hormones release when experiencing an event increase adrenaline and trigger the fight or flight endorphins needed to protect your body in an emergency. 

The constant release of these hormones day after day puts your health at risk.

“Everyone needs stress relief,” Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness personal trainer Bill Caughey said.

Bfit boxing club in West Jordan offers boxing fitness classes and is organizing the Wasatch Warrior Rumble, a boxing exhibition to fight against depression and suicide. The rumble is scheduled for September and will include a boxing exhibition, food, music and prizes. All proceeds will go to organizations fighting suicide and depression.

The rumble is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25.  

Utah state heavyweight champion Helaman Olguin trains a teaches classes at Bfit. Last June, he scored a six-round majority decision over Adam Stewart in a bout that was televised on ESPN. 

Olguin has won six straight bouts in the past 15 months. In January, he defeated Carlos Reyes by technical knockout. 

Bfit offers youth boxing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

“My son loves it,” Brooke Mckeever said. “They do pretty hardcore endurance training along with boxing. They make it fun and competitive and keep the kids engaged.”

Boxing is more than a way to better fitness for some.

The Utah State Golden Gloves Championships are scheduled for May 21–22 in Davis County at the Legacy Events Center. The Championships determine who will advance to the Rocky Mountain Regional Championships. Utah hosted the National Golden Gloves in 2016.

Professional boxing legends such as Micahel Spinks, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson all got their starts in the Golden Gloves. 

“If you are looking to get into the best shape of your life and always crave more, we highly recommend giving boxing a try,” a Legends Boxing customer Carley said.