Loretta Cochran isn’t letting life slow her down. In fact, this spunky 78-year-old from Strongsville has more pep than a squad of varsity cheerleaders at a Friday night football game.

What keeps an ever-present smile on her face and a powerful spring in her step? No newcomer to physical fitness, Cochran swears that it’s the intense kickboxing workouts she takes part in at Empowering Punch.

“It’s working,” said Cochran of her experience at the boxing and exercise studio. “Plain and simple, it’s working.”

Cochran, who has been working out at Empowering Punch since it opened at Westfield SouthPark in mid-November, said working out has become an integral part of her day-to-day life.

“Most people hate to sweat, but I love it,” she beamed. “Exercise is a way of life for me.”

Cochran, who also frequently volunteers at the American Cancer Society, said that she’s been working out with co-owner and professional boxer Paul Scianna for the past three years.

“I started with Paul doing in-home personal training, but I followed him here when Empowering Punch opened,” she said. “I love Paul. I really look forward to coming to class here.”

During Cochran’s fitness boxing class, which she takes on Mondays and Wednesdays, she works her way through an hour of shadow boxing on the floor and one-on-one boxing in the ring.

The new facility boasts a boxing ring, workout studio, cardio equipment and resistance training room, all of which are made available to class participants.

“I’m also seeing [Empowering Punch’s] dietician,” said Cochran. “They’ve got me on a special diet so I can be in tip-top shape. It’s wonderful. They have everything you need to succeed in fitness here.”  

Co-owner Danyl Scianna said Empowering Punch’s classes and facilities are friendly to people of all kinds, no matter their age, fitness level or size.

“We have a variety of participants here,” she said, pointing out the wide age range of class members. “Whether someone is looking to lose a little weight, a lot of weight, or just stay in shape, we can help them.”

Scianna said the studio features daily classes for cardio, strength training, yoga, boxing, kickboxing, abs and core training, and sculpting, among others. A youth boxing program is also available.

“Each class is led by a certified personal trainer, and boxing classes are all led by professional boxers,” she said.

In addition to burning calories and building strength, the boxing classes also naturally integrate self-defense skills to participants.

“While we don’t tout our boxing classes as self-defense courses, there is no doubt that they’d prove helpful if someone found themselves in trouble,” said Scianna.

Cochran added that she attends classes and training at Empowering Punch almost every day.

“I hate to sit down. It’s such a waste of time,” she said, shaking her head. “Why would anyone choose to sit down all the time when they can get up and move? It feels great!”

Empowering Punch is located on the second floor of Westfield SouthPark near Dick’s Sporting Goods. For more information, contact them at 440-572-2270 or visit their website.