You have to be in great shape to make it in the boxing ring. NY1's Roger Clark found that out first hand at a life-changing youth boxing program in Brooklyn, as part of our fit kids february coverage.
Watching 18 year-old Tommy Martinez's footwork in the ring, you would never know he was once 70 pounds heavier and not a fan of moving from his couch.
"Now I can say that I'm actually doing something and I'm getting better,” said Tommy Martinez.
He's one of 35 young people benefitting from the Give a Kid a Dream Foundation Boxing program at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn. Since 1991, the program has worked to keep kids out of trouble through mentorship and training. They are referred to the program mainly through the courts, churches and schools.
"We are here to get them on the right track in life," said Teresa Arca, Youth Advocate, Give a Kid a Dream.
The kids train under the watchful eye of instructors like boxer Heather "The Heat" Hardy and her trainer Devon Cormack. Hardy says she relates to the kids. The Brooklyn native overcame adversity to become an international champion in the super bantamweight division.
"I didn't really have anything and I came to the gym and boxing saved my life," said Hardy.
Hardy and Cormack started Team Heat For Kids to raise funds for new equipment for the young fighters, like Michael Umhaefer who says the program helps him deal with anger issues.
"I just started training, I started punching the bag and stuff and it felt so good to go home and actually put a smile on my face," Umhaefer said.
Another success story is Paul Anthony, a Golden Gloves Champ who wants to go pro. Who better to spar with him than me.
I chased him around the ring like Rocky Balboa chasing the chicken in Rocky 2. Even having "The Heat" in my corner couldn't save me. Still, my opponent said I wasn't all that bad.
Anthony: "But you were punching at my hands too many times.”
Clark: “Well I didn't want to hurt you.”
Anthony: “I'm glad you didn't want to hurt me."
Team Heat has will be holding a fundraiser at Gleason's Gym on March 14th. For more information or if you want to help visit ht4k.com
During the month of February, Time Warner Cable News is committed to informing our viewers of the sometimes alarming trends facing our kids' health as well as provide helpful tips for busy parents. Get more information on Fit Kids February, including the Fit Kids Challenge, healthy shopping suggestions and ways you can get involved to help make you and your children healthier!