Boxing group 'helping women feel empowered'

Dr George Capone said she wanted to support other women after boxing helped her

A clinical psychologist who set up a women-only boxing group puts the success of the project down to laughter.

Dr George Capone set up Warrior Women in north Devon after finding boxing made her feel stronger both mentally and physically.

"I don't think we necessarily realise how important joy is for helping us to feel grounded," said Dr Capone.

She said women could discover their "authentic selves" and build their confidence by being part of the non-contact boxing group.

Dr George Capone invites participants to imagine their inner boxing persona

Dr Capone said she started the group because she wanted to support other women to feel and experience the changes she felt through boxing.

In her classes she invites participants to imagine their "inner boxing persona".

She said this helped them to "connect to that strength and power in their body".

'Reduced depression'

Dr Capone said participants in the group experienced "reduced depression, anxiety and stress".

"Warrior Women gives my life meaning and purpose. I feel like this is what I was meant to do. I couldn't ask for more," she said.

Lorna Evans, a member of the Warrior Women board, said she was happy to have a space in which she could share her love for boxing.

She said: "I noticed in the boxing clubs there aren't very often that many women."

Ms Evans said she wanted to do something different and that she struggled with running and going to the gym.

She said the boxing classes were a chance to let loose but added: "Everyone's way of being empowered is different and unique to them."

"It's all about you, you focus on you and do what's good for you," she said.