Local boxing enthusiast Gabriel Blackwell is a three-time state Golden Glove award winner, one-time regional winner, state regional Everlast champion and Georgia Games champion.
His newest venture, 180 Boxing and Fitness Studio, is scheduled to open between July 5 and July 8.
According to Blackwell, the program will be geared toward anyone in the community who wants to live a healthier lifestyle through the art of discipline and self-confidence. A boxing enthusiast since the age of 9, Blackwell said he is passionate about the sport and living a healthy lifestyle. His program, he said, will incorporate disciplines, commitment and self-confidence derived from the boxing and the martial arts. Partnering with coaches from surrounding areas, Blackwell hopes to build a great team of boxers.
“Boxing is a competitive sport, and this program is designed for men, women, and children who have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle but are tired of the normal straight exercise routine,” Blackwell said. “My program is a boxing and fitness studio with everyone in mind; our oldest member is in her 60s.”
Boxing has been a new experience for 60-year-old Diane Henry, former member of 180 Boxing and Fitness. She said that even though she has had to stop Blackwell’s program for now due to travel, she still works out according to the routine he taught her.
“My favorite routine is the jump rope; I mimic the exercise without a rope," said Henry. "It helps build endurance and works off calories. Every time I used to walk into the gym, I came out with more energy than I went in with. Mr. Blackwell was always patient with his clients and took the time to work through routines with them individually. I have found that the benefits of his program have been worth it. I lost some weight and felt better and I still do his routines by memory every morning.”
A deputy with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office, Blackwell said he sees firsthand the effects bullying can have on an individual. He mentors to teens to think through adversity instead of acting out with aggression. He also encouraged them to engage in self-control, "because once a person loses self-control, they’ve lost the fight."
His competitive amateur boxing program targets building self-esteem and good character traits, as well as training to compete in the sport.
“180 Boxing and Fitness is a studio that has a unique approach to keeping the body and mind fit,” said Blackwell. “I custom design each workout for my clients, from child to adult, to come and enjoy. I will stay with my client and give a one-on-one work out, no matter their age, whether the need is for fitness, weight-loss or to train competitively.
“Boxing and the martial arts are both combat sports, and they both share mostly the same disciplines," Blackwell said. "I incorporate both disciplines in my competitive as well as fitness programs. I use them on a personal level for each customer; it’s not a one-size fits all business.”
The gymnasium will have a full-sized training ring, six boxing bags and offer brand new functional fitness equipment. He will also have equipment for sale. A heavy-duty floor has been built to accommodate dropped weights during training. There will be 180-square-meters of space that will become a new boxing and functional fitness warehouse-style facility.
“There are 180 seconds in a round of boxing, so I incorporated that into the name of the gym," Blackwell said. "A good friend of mine helped me come up with the name. I hope that my program will help present and future clients turn their health goals around 180 degrees.”
Visit 180 Boxing and fitness’ Facebook page to learn more about staying fit through the disciplines of boxing.
