Introduction: A Project Takes Shape

In December 2023, I embarked on a creative project that quickly took on a life of its own. As a London-based personal trainer and boxing fitness coach, I’m always on the lookout for ways to innovate, especially when it comes to making boxing accessible. What started as a small experiment became a year-long series of virtual padwork videos—a free resource that has unexpectedly gained a global following. This is the story of how the project developed and the niche I discovered along the way.

Finding a Niche with Virtual Padwork

The idea for this series came from a desire to create a meaningful, accessible resource for boxing enthusiasts. When exploring the digital boxing space, I noticed that few coaches were using the hashtags #ComboOfTheDay and #VirtualPadwork. While virtual padwork had been around for a while, very few virtual padwork videos existed on Instagram, so I wanted to create something unique—something purposeful and lasting for viewers.

I aimed to create content that people would want to save—a resource they could return to daily for fresh ideas, inspiration, and a sense of progress. At its core, the series became something I would have appreciated when I was younger and looking for guidance—a free, dependable source of boxing combinations.

Most virtual padwork videos consist of an instructor standing in a room, calling out various punch combinations with accompanying sound effects for emphasis. Often, these videos feature busy backgrounds that can distract from the core techniques, or even unnecessarily expensive equipment. In contrast, I opted for simple black and white pads and a plain background to keep the focus purely on the combinations themselves.

Through experimentation, I also decided to add visual and textual graphics, and to remove spoken instruction entirely. Each video featured a real-time demonstration of a boxing combination with visual effects, followed by a breakdown with text in front of the pads. This approach set my content apart, making it easy to follow, re-watchable, and accessible to a global audience. By eliminating spoken language, I aimed to create videos anyone, anywhere, could understand. Each video was also designed to loop seamlessly, allowing viewers to internalise each combination at their own pace and revisit as needed.

The Niche Moment: Going Viral

In January 2024, something unexpected happened—one of my videos went viral on Instagram. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Boxing enthusiasts from around the world connected with the idea of daily, accessible content, and my videos quickly gained traction. People weren’t just watching passively—they were returning each day, eager for new combinations. What began as a small project evolved into a 365-day commitment to provide fresh, engaging content that people could rely on.

As the series gained popularity, I noticed similar content appearing, with other creators adopting elements of my approach. This shift reinforced my commitment to seeing the project through to its full vision. I felt it was important to set a standard, keeping the series distinctive as a free, reliable resource for boxers everywhere.

Balancing Creativity and Structure

I wanted to ensure there was something for everyone, from beginners to experienced boxers. The series includes a range of combinations, from basic coordination drills to advanced sequences inspired by professional boxers. I experimented with different styles, such as motifs—where a combination repeats with varied endings—and reversals, where the order of techniques is flipped. Inspired by drumming patterns, I introduced rhythmic elements to add flow and musicality to each combination, and I varied the speed and complexity based on viewer feedback.

As the series progressed, I focused on improving each video. Before each recording, I practiced shadowboxing to refine each combination and ensure it flowed smoothly, allowing me to feel the rhythm and refine the movements. I adjusted camera angles, lighting conditions, and even my attire to enhance clarity.

Staying Consistent Under Pressure

As the series’ popularity grew, so did the pressure to keep up. The daily structure set an expectation, and each video became a building block in a larger project. Creating a new video every day wasn’t easy, but seeing the impact on viewers made every effort worthwhile. Messages of gratitude began pouring in from around the world, in different languages—people thanking me for creating something they could follow and enjoy at their own pace. Knowing the series was reaching a diverse, appreciative audience kept me motivated, day after day, to create a resource that boxers everywhere could rely on.

Reaching the End: Lessons in Dedication

Completing the series of 365 videos was anything but straightforward. There were times I had to take breaks, moments when creativity ran dry, and stretches where planning each combination became essential just to keep going. The second half of the series saw a shift—I began planning specific types of combinations, balancing the need for structure with the desire to keep each video fresh, creative, and meaningful.

This project taught me that creating something valuable often begins with endless creative possibilities but requires strict discipline to see it through to the end. It’s a journey from inspiration to persistence, where commitment becomes as essential as the initial spark.

What’s Next: Expanding the Journey

Completing the 365-video series has been an incredible journey with a clear beginning, middle, and end. To mark the conclusion, I created a special 366th video dedicated to Muhammad Ali—a figure who, in many ways, stands outside of time. This final video honours his legacy and serves as a timeless close to the series.

While this chapter has come to an end, it’s opened the door to new challenges and opportunities. Building on what I’ve learned, I’m now exploring a new project focused on longer-form content. This next phase will have its own hurdles, requiring all the creativity and problem-solving I can muster, but I’m excited by the possibilities. My goal is to keep the core resources free and accessible, while offering a more in-depth approach for those looking to deepen their training journey.

Conclusion: Thank You for Joining the Journey

This series started as an experiment but grew into a daily source of inspiration for so many. To everyone who followed along, whether you tried one combination or watched every single video, thank you for being part of this experience. I’m honoured to have shared that journey with you.