This week on the Women’s Fitness Podcast, I’m joined (again!) by my good friend and powerhouse researcher, Thea Baker.

Thea isn’t just a brilliant clinical counsellor and psychotherapist — she’s also a PhD candidate at Deakin University digging deep into something that hasn’t had much attention: how moderate-to-vigorous exercise, like boxing, can support women’s recovery after experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).

Most of the research out there points to yoga and other mind-body practices. And while those are great, Thea noticed years ago — back when she was one of my very first mishfit franchisees — that women got something different, something powerful, from boxing. That release of anger, the rhythm, the strength — all of it mattered. Now she’s testing that hunch with proper research.

What We Talk About

Why Thea’s personal and professional journey led her to this research
The often unseen connections between IPV, trauma, and women’s health (yes, including cardiovascular disease risk)
How boxing can create a sense of power, safety, and agency in women’s bodies
The role of trauma- and violence-informed practices in fitness spaces
The upcoming 8-week non-contact boxing program in Abbotsford that’s part of her study
How this study differs from other programs like Left Write Hook

The Big Call-Out

Thea is looking for 32 women in metro Melbourne to take part in her free 8-week cardio-boxing program starting October.

You may be eligible if you:

Identify as a woman
Are over 18
Live in metro Melbourne and can travel to Abbotsford
Have experienced intimate partner violence (this includes emotional, financial, psychological, sexual or physical abuse — not just physical violence)
Can safely take part in exercise

What’s involved:

One 60-min boxing session per week (with optional 30-min support strategies session)
A series of online questionnaires before, during and after the program
An optional focus group at the end to share your feedback

What’s in it for you:

Be part of cutting-edge research that could reshape how exercise is offered to victim-survivors
A safe, supportive space to move your body and connect with others
The chance to help make fitness spaces safer for women in the future

How to Get Involved

👉 https://redcap.link/cardioboxingthis link for a direct link (includes QR code to screening process)
👉 Or contact Thea directly: thea.baker@deakin.edu.au

Even if this isn’t for you, you probably know someone who could benefit. One in four women in Australia experience IPV — so please share this episode and flyer with your community.

Mish’s final word
You never know how sharing something like this might be the first step in someone’s healing and recovery.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

BENSON BYTE: Tyrus' Advice to Guy On Life in His Forties