Manila, Philippines - The first time I went to a boxing gym was about 10 years ago. It was an Elorde-run gym, a hot boxing ring built outside the Elorde home.
Because the gym was the training ground for future boxers, my coach was the same coach that worked with the country’s future boxers.
It was a time when Manny Pacquiao was still starting to make a name for himself. As for me, I didn’t want to be a pro boxer, but I was told that boxing is one of the most complete workouts there is. So try it I did.
That gym was what I would call a hardcore gym. This means that there were no shower facilities, no electric fans. The weights were close to being over-rusted from use and the ab workouts were the type that could injure a weak back.
I stuck with the training. It was loads of fun, I got to spar with many young boxers, although I think I missed more than I hit, and I was never once hit back.
Perfect.
I still do some boxing, but these days it is no longer in a boxing gym and the drills are more for conditioning.
Empire strikes
It was with much anticipation that I went to the Empire Boxing Gym in Legaspi Village, Makati.
“We have the best facilities and the best boxers this side of town,” says Rob del Rosario, owner, boxing coach, and marketing head. “We are not like the other boxing gyms out there, I promise you.”
I am well aware of many of the boxing gyms around the metro, which I have entered but never stayed around to train in. In my over 20 years of working out, one of the most important aspects of a good gym is one that makes me feel safe. It is hard to train in a gym if I don’t feel comfortable with the trainers.
Rob shares that the idea to start a boxing gym in the middle of the Makati business district was one that he could not ignore. But he says that he wanted to make sure that his gym would be worthy of being called world-class, not like the many that have sprouted over the last couple of years.
How exactly did the idea of a boxing gym come about? I ask.
“I heard that there was a market for boxing gyms, which offer personal training, not just commercial training,” shares Rob. “I wanted to add something more to the current boxing gyms, a place where people could go to learn boxing properly and be comfortable and safe.”
Rob shows me around the Empire Boxing Gym. He is proud of the Grade A boxing ring that they have set up, which meets the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) standards. He did not scrimp on anything, as far as the ring is concerned. Rob knows that it is most important to have a good ring so that no one is injured while going the rounds.
“All our bags and mounds were carefully made,” he adds. “The bags are hung on a mound and the mounds are attached to the ceiling for ultimate safety.”
Beyond all the first-class equipment, Rob is most proud of his coaching staff led by professional boxer Ver Openo.
Rob chose each of the trainers personally, taking careful consideration of their boxing styles and their professional habits. Rob is aware of the need to have boxing coaches whom he can trust to train the members and future members of Empire Gym in a professional manner — and also give them a personal workout that they will be happy with.
Since Empire Gym opened last June 11, it has attracted a total of 87 members and counting.
“Some of them are walk-ins,” shares Rob. “Some of them are friends from school. Our youngest member is 12 years old and we do have a member who is over 60 years old.”
For everyone
Boxing is a total workout that anyone of any age can do. What is important is to develop a program that is tailor-made to fit a person.
As Rob knows, anyone who starts a program has a certain fitness goal; to lose weight, to be more fit, to be healthier. These goals are discussed with the coach before a program is set for a client.
Aside from boxing, Empire Boxing Gym also has classes in muay Thai with a professional trainer and mixed martial arts, also under a professional.
“We are not profiteers. Boxing is my passion. This is something I want to do and share with anyone who is willing,” shares Rob. “I guess what really made me put up the gym is that there is a clear lack of safe boxing gyms. I have seen too many people get injured while working out in a boxing gym.”
Not just for the boys
Fitness is for everyone, as seen by the many folks who have opted for a healthy lifestyle. Empire Boxing Gym is no different as it welcomes anyone of any gender who wants to get in shape.
Rob explains that while working out in the gym, the management will not tolerate any foul or lewd language. Neither will he allow any of the members to be treated badly.
“We don’t want people with a negative attitude here,” he quips. “We are a big family. I will not allow anyone to be disrespected as they work out.”
Get to the core
Boxing is anaerobic and aerobic at the same time. When you hit the bags, you engage a lot of things, but most especially your core muscles — that is essential to a complete workout.
Boxing training classes improve speed, resistance, and strength. Repetitive motions of the arms by sparring and jogging while punching help your arms and legs gain strength and power.
I know quite well that there is definitely a positive satisfaction when you punch or kick. It really helps to let all the stress and pent-up anger out. Once the stress is released, there is definitely a feeling of lightness.
“You don’t have to be a Manny Pacquiao. You can go out there and be yourself,” quips Rob. “That is what we encourage because we want to bring out the best in the boxing superstar — you.”
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Empire Boxing Gym is at Unit 5K OPL Building, C. Palanca corner Dela Rosa Sts. Legaspi Village, 1229 Makati.
For information, call 09178098977.