Q&A WITH PROFESSIONAL BOXER JOSH “THE HANDSOME HITMAN” HIMES (COACH, DONATO DE MARTIIS AT 5TH ST. GYM IN MIAMI)
We mean your gym bag. For some, it’s a top of the line, multi-functional fashion statement. For others it’s a simple backpack. No matter how fancy their features are, what really matters is what lies within. This month we asked Josh Himes to show off what his bag holds within.
WHAT ITEMS DO YOU ALWAYS CARRY IN YOUR GYM BAG?
I always have a pair of boxing gloves and shoes, my wraps, jump rope, head gear, a cup, mouthpiece, tape, Vaseline, and some type of protein recovery.
One item not many know about is a letter from my wife! Her support means the world to me, and I carry it with me to every gym session and every fight.
TELL US YOUR GO-TO PRE-WORKOUT AND POST-WORKOUT SNACK/DRINK?
I’m usually always wired, so I don’t take a pre-workout necessarily. But I’m always taking in protein after a good training session. I prefer a protein shake, “Premier Protein” (chocolate) is my go-to.
WHAT’S THE NEWEST PIECE OF GEAR/APPAREL YOU’VE PURCHASED?
Base Layer 8 clothes to run in. They aren’t flashy, and that’s the way I like it. With it turning into a fairly cold winter, I need to prepare to stay warm while I train. Those cardio sessions can be brutal, and this isn’t Miami weather!
WHAT’S CHANGED ABOUT YOUR GYM BAG OVER THE PAST YEAR?
Everything. I recently became the face of “Mason’s Boxing” in Italy and I’ve had a gear/wardrobe makeover. The gear is all custom made in Italy, including the gloves, which are Italian leather.
IF YOUR BAG SOMEHOW CAUGHT FIRE AND YOU COULD ONLY SAVE ONE ITEM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My gloves, hands down! They’re essential and are similar to a brand new pair of Nikes to runners. Never leave home without ’em.
ON A GOOD DAY, YOUR OPTIMAL WORKOUT ROUTINE LOOKS LIKE…
A long day! Jump rope to start after a nice stretch, shadow boxing (which is mirror work), some heavy bag work, then the speed bag followed by some mitts with my trainer (Donato). After all that, I’ll lift weights and head to the track for a run.
I love it though. The grind keeps me focused day in and day out.
FAVORITE QUOTE/MANTRA YOU LIVE BY?
“Roll with the punches.”
It’s been a motto I’ve lived by in and out of the ring. In life, when curve balls are thrown at you, and in the ring when it’s a punch you didn’t see coming, roll with the obstacles placed in front of you and you’re sure to find your feet. Better than stepping into it!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
Black. It’s simple and means business. No games when it comes to my training.
HOW OLD ARE YOU? AND HOW OLD DO YOU FEEL?
I’m 26, and I feel 26 physically, but mentally I feel like I’m 35. There’s so much focus in my life right now. Now that I’m a part of “Mason’s Boxing”, I feel even more determined to perform at the top of my game.
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE OR LOOK UP TO AS A ROLE MODEL?
Arturo Gatti, my favorite fighter of all time. I love the way he comes to fight and doesn’t dance around. You don’t see that often in mainstream boxing. He throws, bangs, and brawls!
We’re also both Calabrese. A region in southern Italy, so there’s a strong connection through our heritage.
THE BEST WORKOUT PLAYLIST WOULD FEATURE THE FOLLOWING SONGS…
- I Want This Forever – Drake
- I Made It – Kevin Rudolph
- Daredevil – my wife Brynn Marie
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR WORKOUT BAG, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A bigger bag. It’s funny, but with all the essentials I need handy, I have trouble fitting all those pieces into a normal size bag.
SINCE YOUR HOME GYM IS IN MIAMI, WHERE DO YOU TRAIN WHILE YOUR HERE IN NASHVILLE?
I’m a regular at Music City Boxing and HG Fitness in Spring Hill while I’m here in Nashville. Justin Gamber and the MCB trainers have been essential to my growth.
WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM THE REST OF THE ATHLETES IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
I have a specific style of boxing that separates me from the rest of the pack. It’s what you would call a “slick” style, which is being able to move smoothly and avoid punches. While nevertheless, attack and punch with power at the same time.
IG: handsomehitman
