Mitt Masters boxing gym’s culture helped it thrive during the pandemic

When COVID-19 hit, many businesses, including gyms, scrambled to adjust. Things like sanitation, cleanliness and air circulation were now top of mind. Mitt Masters, a boxing gym located at 116A W. First St., was able to thrive during the pandemic because it already practiced many of the procedures others were hurrying to implement.

“We already practice safety. This is nothing new for us. We’ve always had this protocol to follow so we’re accustomed to it,” says Rod Sly, owner of Mitt Masters.

Mitt Masters already prioritized sanitizing equipment and consistently making sure the air in the gym was being filtered. In addition, clients were already being asked to keep a clean pair of gym shoes at Mitt Masters that they could change into, helping the gym keep its pristine feel.

To make sure the air is consistently filtered, and clean, multiple fans were added around the gym to circulate the air. Sly says that he’ll spray disinfectant into the fans, which then helps disperse the product throughout the gym. In addition, the front and back doors of the gym are opened between clients, allowing new air to circulate between each workout.

“You can wear a mask into the gym but once you are inside, there’s no need for it because the air is ventilated and I’m confident it is clean,” says Sly.

For those who would still prefer to exercise at home, the gym rolled out a new option that allows clients to get equipment delivered to their home for use in virtual classes.

Some may be nervous to try a boxing gym opposed to a regular gym, but Sly emphasizes that Mitt Masters has sessions for all skill levels and ages. One client is even 86 year old! NFL players and military personnel train there, but Sly says that those with little boxing experience can also benefit from a session.

A perk at Mitt Masters is that all sessions are one on one, which may relieve first-time jitters.

“We work and train hard, but you will feel comfortable, and it will become your gym,” Sly says.

There are different sessions a client can choose when signing up. Depending on your comfort level, you can focus on learning the basics of cardio boxing, participate in 3-minute rounds or train like a pro. You’ll learn more than how to punch—you’ll also learn about breathing techniques, injury prevention and stretching to increase your range of motion.

Despite the curveballs the pandemic has thrown, Mitt Masters and Rod Sly have come out on top—so much so that Sly is planning to expand to three new locations in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Florida. Each location will offer the same sessions, clean environment and daily motivation to become healthier.