UrbanUpdate

The late nights of a bartender’s life may not seem compatible with training for a boxing competition. But Tequila Cazadores® takes pride in supporting the health and wellbeing of those who work in the industry, and that’s why they’re the exclusive sponsor of the Bartender Boxing Organization. The BBO puts bartenders through an intensive 90-day training program to give them a shot at representing their hometown in the ring.

Toronto’s Chantelle Gabino is one such boxer-bartender, and she made it all the way. Below, she tells us variety is the key to sticking with the program—and maybe an occasional Tequila Cazadores cocktail.

Walk us through a typical day. What does your training look like?

My mornings are fairly regimented when I'm not travelling or working special events. I wake up, throw the gym clothes on, and head out to grab a coffee with my dog. Afterwards, I head straight into training or physical activity of some sort. I like to switch it up when I'm not training for anything specific like integrating skateboarding, tennis, or a run for some added cardio. This keeps my body guessing and keeps it fun!

The stereotypical perception of the industry isn't exactly the poster child for health, which is exactly why it needs to be a focus for our profession. In fact, our schedules are perfectly suited to accommodate self care. Being in the industry for the most part allows my body to wake up without an alarm clock, usually well-rested, and with full day dedicated to myself and my health before heading into work.

Training at the gym by myself or at the boxing gym are two different worlds. At the boxing gym, you train as a group, supporting and pushing each other to do more and be a better version of yourself. We train in intervals: three minutes on, on off for about an hour and a half, plus warm up and calisthenics.

It’s a challenge every single time, but your biggest opponent is yourself. I love this about boxing. When I'm training at the gym on my own, I usually focus on lifting weights for definition and strength with a huge focus on mobility, proper form and breathing. I'm in my own world with music and earbuds on.

What advice do you have for readers who might be embarking on a similar journey?

Remember to be realistic and honest with yourself. In the first three months of my journey, I didn't "diet" once. I ate what I wanted, but was realistic and honest with myself about what my body needed as fuel for the next work out. I tried my hardest to ensure the meal I broke my fast with was as nutritious as possible.

After the first 3 months, it was crunch time, and I learned a lot about my body during this time. The moment I started to limit things like noodles, sugar and baked goods is the moment my body shredded and was more indicative of all the hard work I put into hitting the gym.

Mark Tomaras

Cocktail: Don’t Call It A Comeback, Kid

Ingredients:2 parts Tequila Cazadores Reposado¾ part coco-pineapple syrup, recipe follows½ part citric acid solution (found in specialty shops; or use lime)2 dashes Bittered Sling “Moondog Latin” Bitters1 sprig mint1 sprig cilantro2 slices cucumberMineral waterCucumber ribbon and fresh cracked pepper, for garnish

Combine all ingredients except mineral water and garnish in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a Collins glass lined with cucumber ribbon and filled with ice. Top the cocktail with mineral water and fresh cracked pepper.

For coco-pineapple syrup: Combine equal parts strained pineapple puree and unrefined coconut palm sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar.

LOS CAZADORES® TOMAN CON RESPONSABILIDAD. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.©2018. CAZADORES®, ITS TRADE DRESS AND THE DEER LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS. IMPORTED BY TEQUILA CAZADORES® U.S.A., SEAL BEACH, CA. TEQUILAS EACH – 40% ALC. BY VOL.

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