Boston is a city thriving in fitness culture. From the thousands of cyclist commuters to grassroots fitness movements such as the November Project, it is clear that our Hub strives to be healthy in more ways than one. So when it comes to creating a world class gym in the heart of the city, it's absolutely crucial to be a master at your craft. Enter: George Foreman III. While being an American professional boxer runs in his blood, his talents exceed outside of the ring. As the owner of the luxury boxing gym The Club, located in South Boston, Foreman has built an innovative facility that offers its members more than just a good workout. But if you're on the fence about trying a new exercise routine or you're interested in Foreman himself, you're in luck. We stepped into the ring with Foreman — not literally — to learn a little more about this household name.
Caroline Earle: Walk us through the craziest workout routine you've ever endured.
George Foreman III: Pulling a car uphill (slight incline) for a mile and pulling a person on an ATV up a steep hill. In the same week.
There are a few other boxing gyms in the Boston-area. What innovative elements does The Club have that sets it apart from others?
I find the following elements innovative relative to other boxing gyms and gyms in general: Friendly fun community-focused atmosphere, luxurious locker rooms, state of the art cardio equipment (better than any other gym in the city), organic juice bar, towel service, exercise physiologist on staff, 120 fitness classes per week and a fitness app for tracking physical activity and nutrition of members.
Your last fight was in December 2012. What are some essential exercises that you still incorporate into your physical training?
Sparring. There's no better indoor workout in my opinion. Shoulder and body punching only. My favorite sparring partner is a local publicist named Jake Schuster.
We all lead extremely busy lives and sometimes workouts get put on the back burner. What tips do you have from someone who is interested in beginning a workout routine but is short on time?
You CAN do it! Start small and become part of a community of people in the same boat. Focus on just stepping foot in the gym and have the confidence that even 15 minutes a day goes a long way and is valuable to your overall health. We have 30 minute express classes that are very popular.
What's one lesson from your dad you've applied most to your own life?
There is one fight you can always win. Being the nicest person someone has ever met. Be the nicest person in the world.
How do you see the fitness world innovating in general? And do you pay much attention to fitness trends, or prefer to keep training simple?
Fitness tech is already light years ahead of what will actually work in practice. The innovation will come from the brilliant minds finding how to track and report results in real time with no extra steps; stealth. Where the tech is in a t-shirt, or a sock. I think Isaiah Kacyvenski and MC-10 will lead the charge.
I've boxed before. And I teach indoor cycling. Give me five free shots in the ring ... any chance I knock you out? 10 free shots?
Not if I can see you! Talk me into a wearing a blindfold and you might have a chance!
And we've got to ask, do you use a Foreman Grill at home?
Everyday! When I moved into my new apartment last fall I texted my father and asked him to send me a new one ... he mailed me a check to go buy my own. I guess shipping an envelope is cheaper.
Image via Cullen Winkler
Interested in learning more about Foreman and The Club? Make sure to grab your ticket for BostInno's State of Innovation. He'll be appearing on our fitness panel this Thursday, June 12, at the Westin Waterfront.
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