Put some punch in your fitness career!

by Analee Matthews | Sunday, February 01, 2009

BRUCE TOWNHILL PUTS SOME PUNCH IN YOUR FITNESS CAREER

CEO of PUNCH and PUNCH EQUIPMENT Bruce Townhill is a passionate and skilled individual, who is educating the masses about correct boxing technique and providing the industry with quality boxing equipment, accessories and apparel.

Network: You've been in the fitness industry for quite a while now. What things have you done throughout your career and what are you doing these days? Bruce: I started off in 1989 as fight trainer and equipment supplier working out of a garage in Coogee. I used to put guys into cage style ring fights inside squash courts! This would be a big no no these days! Soon the hundreds of tough guys starting bringing their girlfriends, sisters and mums for fitness and then the business went through a rapid(20 year) evolution to where Punchfit and Punchequipment is today. Over 22,000 students and 200 champion ringfighers were trained in that process.

Network: What are the major ways in which the industry has changed since you've been involved? Bruce: Originally nobody in the fitness industry gave boxing must credit or cared for the technical safe delivery of the sport.It was just like "give me some CECs". Over the last few years I have definitely noticed a big swing away from this cavalier attitude with people checking very carefully that what they will be learning is proven technique and the true 'sweet science that is boxing". This is a very refreshing and healthy trend to see coming through the industry."

Network: What do you think likes in the future of the fitness industry? Bruce: I truly think the fitness/boxing/martial arts industry's will blend with all instructors in all those professions being qualified to a personal trainer standard in physical education and technical combat padwork.In other words-fight instructors will be crossed trained in the fitness industry and personal trainers will be much more technically accredited in fight style padwork.This is already very evident and I think it will grow-the days are numbered for impostors of either skill set jumping into the other area without accreditation-The public is now educated to expect value for money.

Network: What is it that keeps bringing you back to FILEX as a presenter? Bruce: Firstly I must say the positive response I get from being there. The fitness industry is much less guarded than the fight industry and is openly enthusiastic about learning authentic explosive fighter padwork for fitness. Secondly - Network really do put on a great show and its been a honour to be invited back year after year to be part of the atmosphere.

Network: What are the key messages you hope to convey during your sessions at FILEX 2009? Bruce: The Key message is get accredited if you are going to pick up pads with your clients-learn how to "plan your punches and then punch out your plan" for hi retention of your clients and safer workouts. We are also launching the very exciting national GX PUNCHFIT format which will allow much greater cross section of the fitness industry to be able to participate in boxing group fitness then ever before.

Network: Where can people find out more about you and/or what you do? Bruce: Go to www.punchfit.com.au for accreditation and education resources and www.punchequipment.com for wholesale boxing gear.

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