Frequently Asked Questions
It has long been understood that physical exercise does more than just exercise the body. It engages the brain, releases tension, improves hormonal balance and stimulates brain growth. Think Boxing is a specialized boxing curriculum designed to capitalize on these benefits and reduce stress responses commonly associated with many mental health challenges. Used as a stand alone intervention or collaboratively with traditional psychotherapy, the program focuses on exercises that improve emotional regulation, strengthen focus and recall, stimulate neurogenesis, and improve our ability to relate to others; all while teaching the participant Olympic-style boxing. While Think Boxing does not involve actual fighting, its training curriculum allows for the release of tension through controlled kinetic contact and the added confidence that comes from the ability to defend oneself. Additionally, our curriculum focuses on the values imbedded in boxing training: perseverance, discipline, preparation and the creation of a strong and emotionally flexible “fighter."
There are two fundamental differences between Think Boxing and other programs. First is the application and intent of the program. Our goal at Think Boxing is not about creating competitive fighters, but about improving mental wellness and brain regulation. Although gains in these areas are possible in traditional boxing programs, our curriculum is designed specifically to expedite and maximize these gains. Our intent is 100% about helping you to feel better, function better and become more empowered. Secondly, our coaches are certified and trained in a very specific way. They understand mental health challenges, how to implement the Think Boxing curriculum and how to adapt the curriculum to meet your specific needs and symptomology. They are emotionally “safe” coaches who are willing to meet you where you are, both emotionally and physically. Their unique blend of emotional intelligence, values, training and boxing experience makes them a distinctive component of our program.
Think Boxing is NOT psychotherapy but it IS therapeutic. Our goal is to help participants be the best version of themselves in both their mind and their body. Think Boxing is not intended to be a replacement for traditional therapy when that service is indicated or needed.
One of the really great things about the Think Boxing curriculum is that is benefits a broad range of populations and challenges. We have found it to be especially helpful for depression/anxiety, ADHD, trauma, attachment issues, behavioral issues, stress management, recovery support, high functioning autism, sleep disturbances, and a variety of adjustment and life transition challenges. We ask that clients who are actively struggling with suicidal ideation and active addiction work with a mental health provider while engaged in our program. We will discuss the process for this in your intake call. Physical limitations, past injuries and limited physical conditioning are not ruled out in our program. We encourage you to discuss any challenges you have on your intake call with you coach so that they can modify the program to meet your needs. We have developed a version of the Think Boxing program for those with limited mobility and we encourage you to ask more about this if needed. Our youngest participant is five years old and our oldest is 75.
It is important for participants to be able to be oriented and psychologically present/connected to work with their Think Boxing coaches. Because of this we do not recommend Think Boxing as an intervention for thought disorders, severe dissociative disorders, or low functioning autism. Additionally, Think Boxing would not be the most beneficial intervention for those who struggle with exercise use disorders or active eating disorders.
In order to start in the program you need to set up an intake call and have initial contact with either Beth Matenaer or Rico Gabriel. They will discuss your needs with you further, and walk you through the sign up process to get you scheduled and on your way! You can access them directly by the phone numbers listed on the Contact Us section of the webpage or send them a message on the emails listed on the contact page as well. You can also fill out the information request form on the Contact Us page of the website or click on the links on any of the pages to sign up and a message will be sent to them to contact you. You can use these same methods of contact if you have any questions about the program that you need answered as well.
Yes, clients are learning Olympic-style boxing throughout their sessions and breaking a sweat! However, they are also learning about how to use these techniques to help themselves reduce stress, regulate their emotions and feel their best. For clients who are interested in moving beyond the goals of our program and into a more competitive environment for the sport of boxing, we happily assist in that transition to one of our local boxing programs once their wellness goals have been met.
No, all equipment is provided for you. However, we do recommend that you wear clothes and footwear appropriate for exercise, and that you bring a water bottle and a small sweat towel (if desired).
Although it may seem counterintuitive to some, there is no evidence that boxing increases aggression. In fact, the opposite has been shown to be true when the sport has been integrated into youth programs, prison systems and at-risk populations. For those who love the sport, boxing is about focus, hard work, discipline, and controlling your space in the calmest most efficient way; not about aggression towards your opponent. Our coaches believe strongly in these principals and are great role models of how to use physicality in a beneficial and positive way. They also work closely with those who struggle with getting overly aggressive to understand how to discharge that emotion without losing control of themselves.
We recommend that you do two sessions a week if possible to receive the most benefit. If this is not possible for you, discuss this with your coach and they can give you exercises to do at home to keep your momentum going to benefit as much as possible from the program.
We are located in Charleston, SC. We offer personalized client meetings at local parks. In certain circumstances, location adjustments can be made. Please speak to your coach directly if needed.
Below are some links to articles written about our modality that go more in depth about our history, areas that we are working in the community, and overall insight into our program. We add new links on the website from time to time, so check back to stay updated. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we post more frequent information about Think Boxing as well.
Published Clinical & Anecdotal Support regarding Boxing & Mental Health
https://www.westof.net/a-fighting-chance/
http://mountpleasantmagazine.com/read/mpm/novdec2019/78/
http://mountpleasantmagazine.com/2019/health-and-wellness/think-boxing-the-power-to-heal-within/#
https://holycitysinner.com/news/charleston-s-think-boxing-takes-classes-virtual/
https://www.counton2.com/news/latest-news/free-think-boxing-class-for-first-responders/