She would have been about 4 when I first joined. The first challenge of no creche, also turned out to be the first opportunity for some lessons.

Overt Lesson #1: "Learn to entertain yourself for 50 minutes, manage your own boredom and exercise some patience".

Covert Lesson #1: "Mums are people too and making time for physical health and wellbeing is important and should be normalised".

Overt Lesson #2: "Exercise is fun and joyous and empowering!"

Covert Lesson #2: " Gyms don't have to smell like testoserone, anxiety or egos!"

She spent many, many 50 minutes, I suspect, quietly absorbing the powerful, supportive and body-positive energy, that effortlessly exists in the carefully and beautifully curated Punch Love space.

Boxing was "my thing" and dancing was hers. When she turned 12, I was surprised to hear she no longer wanted to do dancing. Her friends were quitting and she was no longer interested in performing. As she catapults towards teenage-hood, I found myself with a young woman who had no interest in team or individual sports, that now also had no desire to continue with her only real physical activity.

"Well you have to pick something to do" I say.

"Can I do boxing?" she says.

"Umm, I think so" I reply.

A quick call to Nik, confirms that, "yes", a 12 yr old Punch Lover is absolutely possible!

Her technique class, warmly and expertly delivered by Dido confirmed all my suspicions that this was the absolutely perfect place to immerse a girl on the verge of womanhood.

Our first session together was a Saturday boxing followed by a yoga class. It was no surprise to me that she loved them both!

I started to reflect on the messaging that is skillfully woven into each class, and compared it to what she'd been absorbing for years in dance class..

Dancing: "Point your toes", "keep better time", "straighten your legs!"

Punch Love Boxing: "Great job!", "you're awesome at that", "that's your super power!"

Punch Love Yoga: "let go of judgement of yourself and others", "If this works for you...", "take this to where it feels right"

It's not just the structure of the class that lends itself to creating an environment of positivity and encouragement, but also the informal banter of women with a common goal, to either maintain or improve their fitness in a connected and safe space. Women of all ages, shapes, fitness levels bond, before and after class around their efforts, their challenges and their personal wins.

As a mum who is constantly trying to hold back the tide of social media pressures and unrealistic expectations, I'm so relieved to be able to expose my girl to a place that says, "You are awesome exactly as you are". "your efforts are the reward!" and "a strong, healthy body is a great goal - but the body you have right now deserves celebrating".

We all know and talk about the pressures faced by young women and how they see them self. For my family, Punch Love has become a place where women's well being is expertly celebrated, supported and encouraged. Why wouldn't I take my daughter there?!

By Kelley Griffin