TRURO, N.S. – Quite simply, Ted Ash is a boxing aficionado.
“I study it like nobody; I’m a big fan, I watch every fight …” said Ash, co-owner of Truro’s newest pugilistic club – Beyond Boxing Fitness Studio.
Ash developed a fire in his belly for boxing when he was a kid and is now passing his knowledge on to a young generation of fighters who share that same passion.
His newest venture comes after a two-year stint as head coach at the Hubtown Boxing Club and allows him to train athletes on his own terms.
“I’ve always been a boxing fan, so when I went to Hubtown I absolutely loved it and to do it on my own where I can go by my own values and morals, it’s just heaven to me. I love being here.”
Ash, who co-owns the club with Doug Maynard, said his gym isn’t competing with Hubtown, but instead is offering athletes an alternative place to train and get in shape.
“We’re not pouching any fighters at all; we’re not contacting anybody to come in here at all,” he said. “We’re going to advertise and people who want to come in here to train, they can come here and train. If they want to stay at Hubtown, that’s great; if they want to jump back and forth they’re welcome to, too.”
Beyond Boxing Fitness Studio co-owner and head coach Ted Ash.
The new club is located at 10 B on the Esplanade and includes 2,700 square-feet of training space, including the main boxing area and a fitness room, complete with weights, pulling tires and a peg board.
As the club’s name suggests, Beyond Boxing is more than a fighting facility. Ash said the club welcomes individuals who also wish to train in non-competitive boxing and those who are just interested in a good workout.
“We have somebody here to do everything with you and help you have fun,” he said.
“Everybody here is very receptive, very friendly, so it’s not going to be your typical gym – you’re not going to come in here and sit and stare at the wall or be on your own. Our goal is to get everyone motivated and have fun while you’re working out. Nobody wants to be a gerbil on a wheel.”
Beyond Boxing is not-for-profit, meaning funds generated through sponsors, fundraising, memberships, fight cards and the sale of equipment will be poured back into the facility to cover such things as rent and costs associated with the club’s competitive boxing program.
“Our goal isn’t to make any money, we just want to keep the doors open,” said Ash.
The club is offering the public a free night where anyone interested in joining can attend before making a decision on becoming a member. Individuals of all ages can drop by the club Monday to Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. to obtain more information.
“I don’t think you’ll find a better cardio workout than boxing,” said Ash. “Whoever comes in and tries it is gonna love it. It’s a great stress relief; the cardio is insane and it’s fun.”
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Beyond Boxing Fitness Studio
10 B, the Esplanade, Truro
Owners: Ted Ash, Doug Maynard
Head coach: Ted Ash
Club president: Jeremy Valentine
Membership cost: $40 per month
Motto: ‘We custom build confidence.’
What he said: “To me, fitness isn’t Arnold Schwarzenegger; that’s an unrealistic goal. If you come in here and work out three days a week, you’re gonna feel better, and if you can play with your kids and go for a walk and not be sucking wind, then you’re fit to me.” – Ted Ash
Destiney Wysote works out on the pads during a recent training session at Beyond Boxing Fitness Studio. The new gym, which opened its doors in early September, is a 2,700-square-foot facility that includes a boxing area and fitness room.
