Sharon’s personal fitness journey with skill building through boxing
In this interview, we sit down with Sharon from Hiveclass to explore how a once-competitive synchronized figure skater rediscovered her love for physical fitness—and boxing—through accessible, online skill-based education.
Sharon shares how Hiveclass’s self-defense unit helped her overcome anxiety, build confidence – and ultimately led her to a welcoming boxing gym community.
Whether you’re just starting out or returning to movement after a break, Sharon’s story illustrates how learning a few foundational skills can help you explore new activities by lowering the barriers to entry.
This conversation has been lightly edited for smoothness and clarity.
Tierney O: Hi, everyone. Today we’re talking with Sharon from Hiveclass about skill building.
Sharon S: Hi, everyone. I’m Sharon from the Hiveclass team based in Los Angeles. I’m here to chat with you all a little bit about my fitness journey.
TO: Awesome. Let’s dive right in. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into boxing?
SS: Sure. I’ll have to explain a bit about my journey from childhood to now. I was really active as a kid and serious about sports. I was a competitive synchronized figure skater for 10 years. I also played tennis for eight years and was on my high school tennis team. But pretty much the second I graduated, I stopped everything. I focused on college and was never really a gym person, so I wasn’t active at all. I couldn’t find anything I stayed consistent with as an adult.
When I started working at Hiveclass, I thought, “Okay, I really need to understand this platform and how it works.” So I started exploring it and immediately thought the self-defense unit was something I wanted to try. It was something I had always been interested in but never took the next step to learn. After I completed that unit, I signed up for a self-defense class at my local rec center. There, I met a new friend who introduced me to the boxing gym.
TO: That’s amazing. I’m also curious about the figure skating—that sounds really cool. But first, you mentioned that in college, sports and physical activity took a backseat. Can you talk a little more about what initially blocked you from participating in fitness as an adult?
SS: Yeah, that’s a great question. Even though I did competitive sports, I was never passionate about fitness or understood how the body works. It was more like, “Do this sport, do your best, try to win.” I had this narrative in my head that I wasn’t a fit person. I remember being the last one to finish the mile run in school. The less active I became, the more confidence I lost. I was too shy and anxious to join a class or gym. I felt like people would laugh or stare. I even avoided going to a yoga class for years, even though my sister-in-law kept insisting. It just got worse over time.
TO: That’s really relatable. Fitness spaces can be intimidating.
SS: Yeah, absolutely.
TO: So after you completed the self-defense unit on Hiveclass, what were some of the key skills you learned?
SS: I learned the fight stance, basic punches, kicks, defensive tactics and release techniques. But more importantly, I realized, “I’ve had this body my whole life, but I’ve never used it like this.” Getting those building blocks gave me the confidence to finally take a class. For years, I kept telling myself to sign up, and I never did. But after I learned the fundamentals through the Hiveclass unit, I finally went for it. I realized it didn’t matter—no one cares how good you are. I should have just started.
TO: It sounds like Hiveclass helped you gain confidence and reset your beliefs about yourself.
SS: Absolutely. We always say there’s something for everyone on Hiveclass, and I’ve found that to be true personally. Finding a form of movement I loved was a huge catalyst. At middle age, it’s easy to believe you can’t learn new things or discover new passions. But it’s totally changed how I see things. I’m less afraid to be a beginner now because we all have to start somewhere.
TO: That’s awesome. How have the things you’ve learned through boxing affected your everyday life?
SS: The obvious one is discipline. Just showing up, even when I don’t feel like it. I have an unlimited membership, so that pushes me to go. Each class is intense—circuit training, high intensity—and it challenges me physically and mentally. Even after 150 classes, I still celebrate each time I finish. It reminds me I can do hard things. Sticking with something consistently for the first time in my adult life has been transformative for my mental health and confidence. It proves that an old dog really can learn new tricks.
TO: And you’re celebrating one full year at the gym, right?
SS: That’s right. One year of consistency, overcoming anxiety, being okay with learning, and staying focused on my own path even if I’m more of a beginner than others.
TO: What advice would you give to someone interested in boxing?
SS: Great question. If you’re interested in a combat sport, don’t be afraid. I know it can seem intense or male-dominated. I’m a petite woman, and I used to be intimidated too. But remember, everyone in class is there to learn. No one really cares what you look like or what level you’re at. If you want to start slowly, like I did, learn the basics online—or better yet, use Hiveclass. Then when you’re ready, check out local gyms. Most offer free or low-cost first classes, so you can get a feel for the environment. Not all gyms are intimidating or “bro-y.” Shoutout to my gym, Punch Club LA. They’ve created a super welcoming space for people of all levels and backgrounds. They’ve helped me grow so much and feel part of a great community.
TO: That’s awesome. We’ll definitely tag Punch Club when we share this. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us about your experience with boxing, Hiveclass and skill building.
SS: Thank you so much for chatting with me.
If you have any questions or feedback about Hiveclass and our mission to revolutionize physical education and wellness, we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out with your thoughts or questions by emailing discover@hiveclass.co.