At Athlete’s Choice Massage, we love celebrating the inspiring journeys of athletes in our community. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Josee Herrera, an amateur boxer training out of Panther Gym in Edmonton, whose dedication and resilience are truly remarkable.
Discovering Boxing
Josee first stepped into the world of boxing after experiencing a personal loss in October 2023. Although she had always been interested in the sport, she initially doubted her ability to participate in such an intense discipline. Starting with boxing fitness classes at Champs Gym, she quickly realized the mental and physical challenges of the sport fueled her growth. When Champs closed in June 2024, Josee joined Panther Gym in July 2024 to deepen her training and immerse herself in the boxing community.
“Boxing challenges me to my very core,” Josee shares. “It pushes you to limits you never thought you had, teaches discipline and repetition, and even brings meditative moments while wrapping my hands or shadowboxing. It has given me peace, community, confidence, and forgiveness.”
Overcoming Challenges
Like many athletes, Josee has faced self-doubt along her journey. She describes the emotional challenges of boxing as isolating at times, where fear and anxiety are constant companions in the ring. Through persistence and reflection, she has learned to use those feelings as motivation rather than obstacles.
“It isn’t about winning each day or each round,” she says. “It’s about consistently showing up, despite it all. The only way out is through, and we always make it through.”
Inspiration and Support
Josee credits her coaches and her partner for inspiring and motivating her. Her coaches bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, while her partner provides daily support, helping her grow as an athlete and person.
Future Goals
This year, Josee aims to gain experience through five to six bouts, focusing on learning and growth rather than just competition.
Life Outside the Ring
Outside of boxing, Josee enjoys a variety of fitness activities including running, climbing, swimming, and hiking. She also nurtures her creativity through reading, painting, and tending to her plants.
Athlete Care and Recovery
To optimize performance and recovery, Josee prioritizes sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Her regimen includes warm-ups, cool-downs, yoga, sauna, physiotherapy, massage therapy, Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST), acupuncture, and regular mental health care. She emphasizes the connection between mind and body, noting that peak performance requires attention to both.
Message to Aspiring Athletes
Josee’s advice to fellow athletes is simple but powerful: “Keep showing up. Hard work, dedication, discipline, grit, and consistency are what lead to results. Even when you feel you can’t, showing up is what counts.”
Why We’re Inspired
Josee’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport and community. At Panther Gym in Edmonton, she found not just boxing skills, but a supportive environment for all levels of experience. If you’ve ever been curious about boxing, Josee encourages you to take the first step – the gym is a welcoming place for anyone willing to learn.
