Becks Boxing in "Ringside" magazine! - Beck's Boxing

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Boxing 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. 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. 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 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 members and asked if he could teach them how to box. “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”. 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. 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
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 stormin348@hotmail.com

Becks Boxing in "Ringside" magazine! - Beck's Boxing

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