ABOVE PHOTO: Chris Smalls, Owner-365ive Fitness and Boxing Loft
By Kharisma McIlwaine
The phrase “I need to get my summer body ready!” Has resonated across the country, especially after the convenience and comfort food that the pandemic lockdown offered. As the world opens up again and fitness moves more and more into the focus of our daily activities, it is important to know that fitness offers so much more than just beautiful aesthetics.
Chris Smalls of North Philadelphia came from the construction industry bringing health and fitness to the Philadelphian community. On May 23, Smalls opened 365ive Fitness and Boxing Loft to provide Philadelphians with an opportunity to maintain and maintain their physical and mental health. Smalls spoke to The SUN about his journey so far.
The transition from construction company to business owner has not been easy, but a challenge that Smalls believes has paid off.
“It was a life lesson. It was a fight, but it taught me a lot about patience, timing and discipline which kept me motivated, ”said Smalls. “I wanted to help others, especially during the pandemic. Fitness has always been my dream. Helping people achieve a better lifestyle starts with health – health is wealth. Once I was obese and it wasn’t good. It made me depressed. One day I woke up and decided to start work. “
Smalls shared that starting his fitness journey helped him with his personal experience of depression.
“Fitness is relaxing; It helps relieve stress and once you look good you feel good, ”he said.
The boxing aspect of 365ive came from an organic place – you got to know the culture of boxing from an early age.
“Growing up where I’m from … you’re angry about the things that surround you,” he said. “The only thing we know is what we see and that is fighting – and I loved fighting. Now I understand that you can help others make a living doing what they love to do. “
365ive sponsors its own fighters with contracts and gives the youngsters the opportunity to get to know the business aspect of the boxing world. In addition to boxing, the main mission of the 365ive is to connect with the community.
“We offer family [connections] and contacts, ”he said. “We try to lead by example, especially for the youth. We want to be big brothers and sisters. It’s more than just a 365ive membership. “
The sense of community at 365ive is reflected in the courses and activities on offer, including self-defense classes, afternoon programs, and financial literacy classes.
“Not everyone wants to do boxing or karate, but you can still learn to protect yourself with the self-defense classes.” Smalls added, “When I grew up in the neighborhood I came from, we weren’t given much in finance, money management , Real estate investing, vision board courses, and many of us sleep in dreams. We want to help people learn about LLCs and what to do with them once you get one. Our goal is to educate people and make dreams come true. “
Smalls and the 365ive family tried seriously to connect with the community during the pandemic and offered free classes that brought many new members to 365ive. In the future, Smalls shared his hopes for growth and the people who will become part of the movement.
“I would love to see another 365ive come out of this, but most importantly, I would like to see happy people who come here to appreciate the facility and what I have to offer. I want people to become part of the family. “
365ive also has a juice bar, smoothies and meal plans to further promote a healthy lifestyle. 365ive is a 24-hour facility that offers a variety of options for people at all points in their fitness journey. The 365ive Fitness and Boxing Loft is located at 1855 N. 5th Street.
Follow her journey on Instagram @ 365ive_fitnessloft_ and join the movement.
