"The kids didn't believe I would come to their house," Effron remembers, "until I knocked on their doors."

Now the 61-year-old Madeira resident is knocking heads in his boxing class at the Cincinnati Sports Center in Fairfield.

"This class has been a great cardio workout for me in addition to learning a new skill," he says. "In the second class, (instructor John Hall) hit me during sparring. That was a wake-up to me that this sport has two elements - hit and be hit. I like the former better than the latter."

Effron retired from Cincinnati Public Schools in 1992. When he's not in the ring, he runs a consulting business, Effron and Associates, and teaches diversity at Xavier University.

What is it?

Boxing.

How did you get started?

I joined a class taught by John Hall at the Cincinnati Sports Center. Classes involve hitting a heavy bag, sparring with the instructor, plus exercises to tighten the abdominal area. You participate in 10 three-minute rounds with a minute between rounds, a simulation of a real match (assuming you do not get "knocked out" in the early rounds).

What do you get out of it?

It is an intense cardio workout, plus it increases appreciation for the art of boxing. It's a great conditioning program.

How much does it cost to get started?

Minimal. Just about $10 per class, although some gyms may charge nonmembers more. Hand wraps cost about $5.

What type of equipment do you need?

Hand wraps and boxing gloves (usually supplied by the instructor).

How long does it take to get started?

You can start almost immediately, although your stamina increases with each session.

How long did it take to learn?

This is a training program that one can learn quickly. However, to perfect the skills is a gradual process.

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Basic Training spotlights Greater Cincinnatians who work hard at having fun. To nominate someone who keeps fit by playing sports or developing a new skill, e-mail srhone@enquirer.com, fax 768-8330 or write to Basic Training, The Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Include a daytime phone for you and your nominee.