introduction to boxing

B
oxing for years has been known as the way out for
troubled inner city kids with trainers and owners alike
searching for that gifted athlete who could take them to
the promise land. In recent years boxing as a sport has
been in a decline but the growth of middle-aged executives joining
boxing gyms have skyrocketed.
members and asked if he could teach them how to box.
Wall Street types are attracted boxing because it’s a great physical
workout and because it’s a mental workout as well,” says Bruce
Silverglade of Gleason’s Gym. Three fourths of Gleason’s members are white-collar businessmen and woman and are a big part of
why Gleason’s and other legendary gyms are still open. I recently
spoke to Norm Beck of Beck’s Boxing to discuss his teachings of
the sweet science.
He modified his routine into an 8-week program that focuses on
Olympic style technique and a boxer’s workout. “This is not a
fight club. I have clients of all ages who have no aspiration of becoming professional boxers but they want to train like one. They
want to get the same benefits that a boxing work out gives just with
out the risk of injury,” said Norm.
BECK’S BOXING
The thud of boxing gloves hitting the heavy bag and the tap-tap of
jump ropes hitting the wooden floor at the Lifetime Fitness Gym
echo through out the gym. The gathered crowds watch as students
work through combinations, footwork and learn valuable lessons
about the sweet science.
The Lifetime Fitness Gym and Iron Butterfly Health Club are both
located in Rochester New York and the trainer is far from typical.
His name is Norman Beck, a 42-year-old 2nd grade teacher who
“I decided to try it and had four clients. I would take them through
the basics and slide into controlled sparring. Word of mouth was
the sole reason for the growth on Beck’s Boxing. Within 2 years I
had 10 people per class and I was doing two classes a week”.
In 2009, Norm has moved away from writing his phone number
down on a napkin when people ask about Beck’s Boxing to having a website becksboxing.com and doing 6 eight week sessions
a year at two different gyms with 25-35 male/female young/old
boxers each session. Along with small group advanced classes
throughout the year. Nearly 50% are returning boxers who love
the workout. His current head count has totaled 65 clients with
classes scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
His ability to motivate and push while keeping the workouts fun
and being able to break down the techniques of boxing so that
everyone can follow along and improve each week has created a
“I can’t say enough about Norm and his class.
I was addicted from the first 5 minutes.” Michael Hess
fell in love with the sweet science at an early age. “I competed as
an amateur in a couple of local cards but I always enjoyed the work
outs more than anything,” said the inspiring trainer.
INTRODUCTION TO BOXING
Norm was always interested in trying unique things and at the age
of 18 he wanted to try boxing. Being a licensed driver while living
in Fairport he would often drive to the Baden street rec center in
the city of Rochester. “I was the only white kid there, no experience, and way older than most of the kids training there. They
said I could work out and they were nice but I got no instruction. I
wanted to learn the art of boxing, the technique, I wanted to train,
and I wanted to be pushed...but not exactly into competing”.
It was at the age of 21 that Norm met Eric Poley from Honeoye
Falls NY. Eric became Norms mentor as he learned offense, defense, slips, counters and combinations from the former Notre
Dame Bengal Bout champion at the Fairport Fitness Gym. It was
Eric’s way of teaching and how he broke everything down that
really hooked Norm to boxing. “I took group classes, small group
classes, and individual lessons. I couldn’t get enough and that was
due to his coaching style.”
Time passed but Norm would continue his boxing workouts. It was
in 2000 that Norman was doing his work out in the empty aerobics
room at the Lifetime Fitness Gym that he was approached by club
unique and very challenging workout program that leaves people
exhausted and sore...but excited and eager to return the next week
and/or even the next session.
“He is a great teacher. Norm has a great gift of motivating you
and keeping you focused. He is the main reason I keep coming
back,” said Harry Sealfon. Harry is a 59-year-old Certified Public
Accountant who has been training with Norm for three years now.
“I can’t say enough about Norm and his class. I was addicted from
the first 5 minutes. Most exercise completely bores me and loses
my attention quickly, but this is fun and engaging--yet by far some
of the hardest workouts I have done. Even if I am thoroughly wiped
out after every class, I always leave with a big smile on my face,”
said Michael Hess.
The respect and admiration are expressed by all of Norm’s clients
and it’s wonderful to see the mixture of students that range from
children to middle-aged parents and grand parents enjoying themselves. With success stories ranging from loosing weight, better
health, physical and mental toughness, most of Norm’s clients
have gained a confidence about themselves that they never had by
the time they finish the course.
“I feel so blessed to have created something that I’m so passionate
about. I love the challenge of exposing people who may have never given boxing a try and getting them so excited about it. There’s
nothing more satisfying than having a class come to an end and
seeing “that look” on such a diverse group of boxers”.
The future is bright for this 2nd grade school teacher whose teachings continue in the squared circle when the school bell rings.
The suburbs of Rochester have a different outlook of boxing now
thanks to this inspirational trainer, coach and teacher. With classes
full and all walks of life stepping through the doors of the Lifetime
Fitness Center and the Iron Butterfly Health Club, there is no doubt
that boxing is alive in Beck’s Boxing Gym.
For more information on Beck’s Boxing, please visit the gyms website at http://www.becksboxing.com or e-mail Norm Beck directly
at [email protected]