SMC Speaker Report: Mac Gallagher, Max Box

Our luncheon speaker, Mac Gallagher, the owner of Max Box, spoke to us on August 13^th about the benefits of physical activity in staying healthy and living a longer life. Max Box gym is at 29057 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods and teaches seniors and others how to box. Mac is the Line Coach for the Blue Devils Freshman team at Grosse Pointe South High School. Coach Gallagher is a former Penn State football player and Golden Gloves champion who started the Hit Smart Boxing Program designed to implement hand to hand combat strategies in order to prevent players from hitting with their heads.

Mac said that physical activity improves both health and mental ability. Science distinguishes between two types of exercise: cardio or endurance exercise and strength or resistance training. Boxing combines both of these. His boxing program involves punching speed or heavy bags while learning footwork. The heavy bag provides the resistance while the punching and footwork builds endurance. Boxing also benefits the brain because it involves bilateral communication between the two halves of your brain.

By learning the boxing moves and coordinating footwork and punches, you stimulate the hippocampus, much like dancing does. Boxing involves continuous learning and there is always a new challenge, something that seniors need. Mac recommended working out at least twice a week, every week. His workouts start with warmups and move into punching a speed bag, a lightweight double-end bag, and the heavy bag. Of course, there is no guarantee, but you will notice the increase in strength and mental power. 

Mac answered numerous questions from Club members, and several of our members who participate in his program recommend it.

Thank you, Mac, for taking the time to visit us and share your method of physical and mental fitness.

Reported by George Arsenault and David Morrow