Fit Kids: Boxing

Keeping your kids fit could mean having them step into the ring. Boxing is becoming more and more popular among young children. News 8s Matt Molloy has more in our fit kids report.

"I came in and I loved it," said Alyssa Werner.

15 year old Alyssa Werner started boxing two years ago. In that time, shes achieved a lot, physically and emotionally.

"I started 120 pounds heavier than I am now, a tremendous change. Dana will tell you when I came in I was quiet, I wouldnt talk to anyone," said Werner.

Dana is her boxing coach. She coaches kids ages 8 to 16 at ROC Boxing and Fitness on Atlantic Avenue in Rochester.

"We have people of all shapes and sizes come in and we teach them the fundamentals of boxing, basic boxing, moving around the ring," said Dana Chubb.

This is about more than keeping kids physically fit, its also about about keeping them mentally fit.

"Mentally you have to be able to walk and talk youve got to breath, punch and step. So there are many things you have to think about," said Chubb.

Dana says more and more kids are looking to get involved in boxing.

"Kids want to do it, but they want to do it in a safe manner. They are not in here to learn to fight in the streets they want to box like Muhammad Ali," said Chubb. For teens like Alyssa boxing has made all the difference.

"Its not really all about what you can do, its about what you learn while youre getting there. So its not about the end result its about what you learn along the way," said Werner.

Roc Boxing offers beginner and intermediate classes for kids. You can find out more by going to www.rocboxing.com