Cochrane’s Rival Boxing Gym, located at 129 Fisher Ave., has expanded considerably since their humble beginnings as East End Boxing at their former Railway Street locale.
Rival Boxing (boxing equipment giant with North American locations on both sides of the border) approached East End owners Craig and Cassandra Wilson last year and offered to sponsor their gym, taking notice of the couple’s efforts to build and promote the boxing and fitness community in Cochrane.
The couple decided to jump on the opportunity to take their business to the next level, reopening their new gym Dec. 1, 2014.
The move has allowed them to offer more classes and class times, as they moved from 1,435 to 3,000 square feet.
Craig, a former amateur boxer, said they are now over 100 members with a rising female membership base; memberships allow for unlimited classes and drop-ins.
“It’s probably a 60-40 split with women and men,” said Craig. “Boxing isn’t just about two guys in a ring punching each other in the face — it’s a very technical sport.”
From bootcamps to conditioning to boxfit; from coed classes to men’s, women’s and youth boxing to kickboxing, Craig is confident there is a fantastic workout and discipline for all levels of competitors and anyone interested in getting a high-intensity workout.
“It’s a tough workout — you can’t get anything like it in any other workout,” said Craig, adding that many high level athletes who have come to train at the gym comment on how challenging of a workout boxing is.
Craig said many of their female clients have found the classes to be a good confidence booster, as well as an effective way to shed pounds.
Local professional MMA fighter/kickboxer, Trent House, has teamed up with the couple to come on board as a part-time instructor.
House is currently running ‘Trent House Kickboxing’ twice weekly.
The professional athlete said people who try kickboxing love the high level of cardio and the constant movement. He said he is thrilled to supplement his full-time day job with pursuing his passion and motivating others to get fit at Rival.
To learn more visit rivalboxingcochrane.com or call 403-370-2109.
