Quick 10 with Nick Plessett of Sobekick and Fight Club Doral

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Flashback to a year ago: I first stepped into Nick Plessett’s boxing class; I was intimidated, a little nervous, and wasn’t sure I could keep up during my first boxing class ever. Damn - Nick's class kicked my ass. After taking his class, I was fired up, motivated, and extremely excited to get back as fast as possible for round two.Getting to know Nick as a person has been so exciting, and learning how he quit his nine-to-five to pursue his true passion full time. He is a certified personal trainer, teaching at Sobekick and Fight Club Doral. I had the opportunity to sit down with him and talk about how he got started in fitness, and how his journey has evolved. Here’s a quick 10 on one of the most inspirational people I know, Nick Plessett.

How’d you get the courage to quit corporate America and pursue your dreams full time?

The pursuit of happiness was always in my mind, and I wasn’t content with my previous job of being an F+B Manager. Was I good at it? Yes, but I was never giving my full potential there. Being un-satisfied made me go after my true passion of being an instructor, doing what I love, and knowing everyday there’s is room to grow.

How long have you been practicing?

I took my first kickboxing class at 14, after being inspired by many of Jean-Claude Van Damme movies. I began training about 10 years ago.

What makes your skills stand out in a city with so many options?

My experience within the sport - from amateur MMA fights, Muay Thai and boxing matches, to years of training and learning. Some people might be great trainers, but I’ve come to find most people haven’t mastered how to teach proper technique, such as a roundhouse kick, or a true cross/hook combination.

What’s the difference between Western Boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai?

Western Boxing is just boxing, but anyone outside of North America will call it Western Boxing. This includes your basic punches and defense. Kickboxing includes kicks, knees, and punches, but no elbows. Muay Thai is known as the art of eight limbs, which includes kicks, punches, knees, and elbows. This is my personal favorite because I think in boxing your entire body should be used as a weapon.

Do you teach all three?

Yes, especially since I’ve gotten more amateur matches under my belt.

What is your coaching philosophy?

Not only is this my coaching philosophy, but my overall philosophy to live by as a person, which is to give more than I receive. I believe the more information I can provide, the more energy I can offer, and the more motivation I can bring to all my classes, makes each day as a coach worth my while, knowing at least one person gained something from taking my class. If I could, I would coach for free because the happiness I receive from coaching others is what fires me every day.

What did you learn in your recent three-week trip to Thailand?

I went to Thailand to do a professional debut, but got injured six days in due to a bad sparring incident. That allowed me to have a more of a spiritual and mental experience. Humbled to be there, watching these professionals, it helped me grow and overcome a huge heartbreak. I was still able to continue my learning, and transferring that knowledge into my own coaching of Muay Thai and boxing.

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

I’m looking forward to connecting with more people and sharing my energy with new people who have may never tried the sport. I am looking forward to growing and giving it my all in 2018.

What are some nutrition tips you can give someone trying to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain their goals?

I believe you should have three substantial meals a day, and make lifestyle changes. Give your body the rest it needs, stay hydrated, and make sure you never skip breakfast because that’s what gets your metabolism going. I will tell you that fad diets don’t work, because majority of the time they lead to failure.