POV - personal trainer, boxing coach AND first-time Grandparent

Life has a funny way of throwing new and exciting challenges our way. As I reflect on my own journey, I realise that the chapters I've lived through as a first-time grandparent, a personal trainer, and female boxing coach in a male dominated sport have not only shaped who I am today but also brought a deeper sense of purpose and joy into my life. Here's a wee look into these experiences and how they’ve helped me grow.

Life as a boxing coach and personal trainer
I started boxing 13 years ago at age 39 and often look back at how it has changed my life. I started out with boxing purely for the fitness side of it as I was keen to try something different. I loved it from the very first class and even though I was incredibly sore, I went back the very next night.

I progressed with my fitness, my body got stronger and my confidence within myself grew. After boxing for a few months, I knew I had to get other people involved in this sport so they too could feel like I was feeling. I decided to become a boxing coach (have been qualified for 10 years) and then added in the Personal Training qualifications to compliment my skill set. I have been personal training for 8 years now and absolutely love my job. Being a trainer isn’t just about helping others get fit; it’s about empowering them to push their boundaries and achieve what they once thought was impossible. I’ve been fortunate to work with people from all walks of life, each with their own unique goals. What I love most is seeing my clients transform, not just physically but mentally. It’s about teaching them the value of consistency, perseverance, and believing in themselves.

The boxing side of it is about pushing through limits, both physically and mentally. It’s about embracing the grind, the sweat, and the dedication. It teaches me to never back down, no matter how tough life gets.

I teach boxing for all ages at Wellington (New Zealand) Boxing Gym. From kids and youth classes, skills classes, box fit classes to corporate and amateur fighters getting into the ring. I have had 5 fights myself with a fight record of 4-1. I aim to get 1 or 2 more in before I retire (from the ring only, I will box until physically impossible I think!)

Becoming a first-time Grandparent
Becoming a Grandparent was a moment I’ll never forget. The excitement of finding out my daughter and her partner were expecting, then to meeting Nyah for the first time was such an amazing feeling.

As a parent, you always hope to raise your children well, and seeing them become parents themselves is an emotional full-circle moment. It has brought a whole new perspective on patience, unconditional love, and the simple joys of life. This year I took my role as a grandparent a step further and now look after my 6 month old granddaughter Nyah on Mondays while her mum is at work. With the cost of living so high currently, it is unrealistic for a woman to be a “stay at home mum” like my mother and many others were back in the day.

So, Mondays are Nana and Nyah day for us! We will go on all sorts of outdoor adventure walks, swimming and have fun hanging out. And as soon as she is old enough and can fit a pair of gloves, my granddaughter will learn how to box!

Of course, getting around with a little one requires a buggy that works for my lifestyle. The nano urban has been the perfect buggy for me. Wow, how much things have changed since I had my kids! I used to need octopus' arms just to put my buggy up back then! This buggy is lightweight and very user friendly easy to fold up and it also folds down nice and small for storage at home or in the boot of my car. These factors were very important as I don’t have Nyah every day and needed somewhere to store it. It has made our adventures together seamless and stress-free.

Being a grandparent, personal trainer and boxing enthusiast may seem like different worlds, but they all share one common theme: resilience. Each role has taught me to be more present, more determined, and more appreciative of the little moments in life. Whether I’m holding pads for a client, reading a book to my grandchild, or stepping into the ring for a workout, I’ve learned that embracing life’s challenges is what truly makes it fulfilling. My journey continues, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

Mountain Buggy® nano urban™ pilot
Jo Rush, grandmother of one
New Zealand