Knocking Out Stereotypes: The Boxing Grannies of South Africa
photo credit: Reuters, Video credit: the points guy
In a world where aging often comes hand in hand with slowing down, a group of spirited women in Johannesburg's Cosmo City neighborhood is rewriting the script. Meet the Boxing Grannies, a fierce squad of seniors defying stereotypes and embracing vitality in their golden years.
Launched in 2013 by Claude Maphosa, the visionary head trainer at the A-Team gym, the Boxing Grannies program is a testament to the power of determination and community. Tailored specifically for women aged 60 and above, this unconventional fitness regimen has become a cornerstone of their lives, proving that age is just a number.
Twice a week, these inspiring women gather at the gym, ready to take on the challenge. With medicine balls in hand and determination in their eyes, they engage in rigorous workouts that include sparring and jabbing away the aches and pains that often accompany aging.
The impact of the program goes far beyond physical fitness. For many of the Boxing Grannies, it has become a lifeline, infusing them with newfound energy and stamina that they thought were long lost to the sands of time. One participant even shared her triumph over diabetes, crediting the program for helping her gain control over her health.