boxing &
combat sports
Add impact: A boxing ring can bring a buzz to the gym floor
where to go for training J
Clued up: Staff training is key as your members will need guidance
ordan offers REPs-endorsed training, and Escape and Tube Boxing also run courses. Meanwhile Fight Fit is the
main boxing training provider for Premier Training and offers a licence to clubs who wish to run their own Fight Fit boxing training. FitPro runs a boxing
programme aimed at PTs and small group fi tness classes – an online course followed by a two-day practical. The company is also about to launch an MMA
qualifi cation, taking MMA techniques and translating them to the fi tness environment. Boxercise set up the fi rst
widely recognised boxing-related fi tness qualifi cation, and has been offering its a one-day intensive course for almost 20 years. Worldwide brand Thump
Boxing runs REPs-accredited CPD Boxing for Fitness courses which are designed by sports scientists, combining professional boxing training with functional fi tness.
extra charged-for service. Alternatively it could be used as a tool to attract new members or simply add value for existing members, helping them achieve their goals and providing them with something different to keep their interest levels up. Tom Haynes of equipment supplier York Barbell UK says, if you charge for classes, return on investment can be quick.
“It’s inexpensive to lay on a class with pads and mitts. If you make a charge of £4 per session, you can get return on investment within around fi ve classes,” he says. But before setting up an area it’s therefore important
to establish what you are trying to achieve, says Matthew Januszek, Escape’s customer solutions director. “At Escape, we help clients clarify their end goal before we offer boxing as a solution,” he says. “If our clients want to generate additional income and take the pressure off the cardio area during peak times, we could look at developing a boxing- based class that can be used by personal trainers to interact and develop a relationship with potential clients. “Alternatively, the class could be used as a themed small
group training concept, where the price per person is lower than a typical PT session – removing a barrier to entry – but the hourly income for the club would be higher.” Januszek also advises clubs to decide who they want to
target and then market the area in a way that will specifi cally appeal to them. “Be clear on who you want to attract and
42
focus on their needs, using the correct imagery and wording so you can tap into the right audience,” he says. “You will need to create a different area if you want to attract the next David Haye than if you want to get your mum’s friends doing some activity on a Friday lunchtime.”
maximising investment Although the equipment is generally cheaper than other fitness kit, getting the detail right in the delivery of a boxing and combat training offering is of utmost importance. This is one area where it won’t work to leave members to figure it out for themselves: to the uninitiated, punch bags can look very intimidating. Similarly, while a boxing ring in which a couple of members are doing pad work with a PT looks buzzy and exciting, sitting empty it doesn’t give off a good image. Have a plan in place to maximise your investment and don’t skimp on the training – make sure that enough instructors are trained up so the success of the area isn’t compromised if somebody leaves. With suppliers reporting that trade is brisk and with new
chain Klick Fitness placing functional and combat training at the heart of its concept, it will be interesting to see if more clubs go down the combat training route.
healthclub@leisuremedia.com kath hudson
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital september 2011 © cybertrek 2011
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