HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Now that summer has hit full stride, those looking to knock off a few pounds or rev up their fitness routines can check out the Fitness and Sports Center's boxing classes, taught by Gregory Leschishin.
Mr. Leschishin serves as the 66th Force Support Squadron's School Age program assistant, but is also an Olympic-style boxing coach, and members of the Hanscom community can experience the boxer's workout first-hand through both group and private sessions.
The coach says participants should bring a water bottle, comfortable sneakers, shorts and towel to class, but are advised to leave preconceptions about boxing at the door.
"Usually when people hear about boxing they think about guys with no teeth beating each other up, but that's not what we teach here," said Mr. Leschishin. "A lot of people are scared to get hit, but what we do is instruct people how to successfully box or spar with someone their own size and age -- only if they want to."
Not everyone who lifts weights intends on becoming a professional bodybuilder, according to Mr. Leschishin.
"Likewise, you don't have to actually get hit to participate in the sport of boxing," he said. "The workout is great."
For individuals interested in the boxer's workout, Mr. Leschishin, who is also a certified personal fitness instructor and USA Boxing Level II official, offers both non-contact and contact sessions. Non-contact sessions are offered in groups on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m., and contact sessions are offered in semi-private and private formats.
Mr. Leschishin, who has more than 35 years of boxing experience, also stays current with boxing across the country. He just represented New England at Lake Placid at a Junior Olympic Boxing Tournament in June and was selected to attend the Junior Olympic national tournament in Alabama in August as a boxing official, his first national tournament.
"It's an honor to support an Olympic program for the military," said Mr. Leschishin. "The Air Force's motto is 'Fit to Fight' and I'm proud to help active-duty servicemembers, as well as civilians, be the best they can be, mentally, physically and athletically."
The fitness center, where Mr. Leschishin teaches, also is home to a newly-donated, Olympic-sized boxing ring. He says this has boosted interest in the sport on base. The ring will be used to practice for a charity boxing event on Nov. 11 this year, the first boxing show on base in decades.
"We are seeking potential participants to join my present boxers to get out there and try out what they've been learning, while at the same time putting on a charitable event," said Mr. Leschishin. "We're hoping to raise a good amount of money for the families of veterans coming home from Afghanistan. I also want to thank Jerry Turnbow, the fitness center director, for his support in this worthy event."
All classes utilize USA Boxing approved equipment, including speed and heavy punching bags. For increased safety, an orientation safety session is required before individuals can be approved to use the equipment.
"Amateur boxing is a very safe contact sport, actually one of the safest out there as long as it's done in a supervised and safe way," he said. "That has always been my philosophy."
Private classes are fee-based are based on services rendered. They can be arranged by calling Mr. Leschishin at 617-595-8141 or emailing rocknrollboxer@hotmail.com.