PEOPLE who are keen to get out of the house this winter can take part in a new exercise class at a Johnstone boxing gym.
The free two-hour sessions for men are taking place at 4 Corners Boxing and Fitness, in Macdowall Street, every Wednesday, starting at 2pm.
Organised in partnership with local charity Active Communities, the open gym sessions will offer men aged 18 and over the chance to get guidance on their workouts from experienced staff members.
Those who take part can also enjoy a hot drink and a blether during the sessions, which are designed to boost participants’ self-esteem and confidence.
Kevin Mcintyre, who runs 4 Corners Boxing and Fitness, told The Gazette: “These sessions are targeted at men who are out of work, or maybe feeling like they’re in a bit of a rut, to try and help them get into fitness.
“I’ll be there as a coach for the boxing side of things and one of our ex-boxers Cammy, who does a lot of the powerlifting stuff, will be there if they want to do a wee bit of weights.
“We are also going to keep it as kind of a social thing as well, so they can get a tea or a coffee and spend a bit of time with us, there’s no rush out the door.”
The boxing gym has been going from strength to strength since opening earlier this year under the leadership of 45-year-old Kevin, who was a professional boxer for over a decade.
The former British welterweight champion, from Paisley, is keen to give local youngsters the opportunity to learn the sport from a young age.
The dad-of-four said: “We have kids as young as six taking part in non-contact classes, which involve basic boxing drills and a wee bit of fitness.
“It's just a great sport all round to be doing, as it helps keep the boys out of trouble and on the straight and narrow.
“We’ve also got a lot of girls taking it up as well.”
Recently, five members of the gym’s amateur boxing squad participated in Boxing Scotland's Development Championships at Ravencraig Regional Sports Facility, in Motherwell.
Kevin said: “They did great, we got two silver medals and they’ve now all got a wee bit of experience under their belt.
“The standard was really good for being a novice competition.”
The amateur boxing squad is sponsored by SFK Property, Shimla Cottage and FC Roofing & Cladding.
For more information about 4 Corners Boxing and Fitness, search for ‘4.corners.boxing’ on Facebook.
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