North Adams Fitness Center Offering Youth Boxing Program
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Miner Combat's community outreach program will provide a new boxing experience for Northern Berkshire youth.
Miner Fitness owners Caleb and Becky Miner will bring youth boxing to their USA-Certified Boxing Club facility at 69 Union St.
Caleb said the idea has been on the back burner and was partly inspired by his son, who had shown an interest in boxing. But it was television personality Rachael Ray who pushed the new program into existence.
"The final nail in the coffin was when we were watching a Rachael Ray show and her whole show was dedicated youth boxing, and we thought, 'alright this is our answer we really need to do this,' " Caleb said.
The result was Minor's Combat Youth Boxing, a play on the facility's name and the generation it's focused on.
Becky said they have been slowly unfolding boxing programs such as "ChicBoxing," a women's boxing program, and Rowbox, a combination of rowing and boxing. These programs differ from Minor's Combat because they focus on getting people into shape using boxing – the youth program instead will focus on teaching children the fundamentals of boxing.
"We want to actually teach them how to box and bring them up so they will eventually be sparring if they would like," she said. "It's totally different than Miner Combat."
Caleb said his son has been taking youth boxing classes and already can do more push-ups and is improving his skills with the jump rope.
Becky said beyond the physical aspect of the program, boxing is mentally healthy.
"Growing up is hard enough, and kids are faced with more things at a young age than ever," she said. "It's not just about tackling obesity for us. Here kids can learn discipline, respect, and get their aggression out."
The Miners, who are both USA-Certified Boxing coaches, have purchased a boxing ring along with all of the necessary gear for youth boxing.
"We want them to just have to come here in their gym clothes and then we can provide the proper equipment," Becky said. "Gloves, jump ropes, wraps, mouth guards, and stuff like that. We don't want to pass costs on to the parents and we want everyone to be involved who wants to be."
Jack's Hot Dog Stand is the main sponsor of the program and has set up an account for donations. Those who want to sponsor a child can drop off donations at the gym.
There won't be any competitive events to start, although Caleb said he would love to see participants compete on their own in other programs. He does anticipate contests in the future.
Becky said Minor's Combat has established a relationship with the North Adams schools and students involved in an after-school program can sign up although space is limited. She would like to expand the program to include more homework help and healthy snacks after school.
Signups begin in February and the program will six weeks with two classes a week in the afternoon: Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday,
The cost for 12 classes is $45 for children ages 8 to 14; parents can sign them up at the gym. Call 413-663-0225 to make sure it is open.
Tags: boxing, fitness center, youth sports,
