Neighbors of Webster Groves

Written by: Jill Taylor, PhD, LCSW, Personal Trainer St. Louis Boxing Club

The power of community

Hi! As a member and personal trainer at St. Louis Boxing Club, I am thrilled to write about the magic that happens every day at 3515 S. Big Bend Blvd. We offer a well-rounded fitness program, led by world class trainers, designed to complement personal wellness journeys. The magic of the fitness program is in the power of community. “Community is where we know each other, help each other, and find purpose in contributing to each other’s lives” Dr. Vivek Murthy (2025). Community evolves, weaves into the fabric of our lives, becomes tradition, and contributes to our collective well-being. The strength of the community at St. Louis Boxing Club cultivates a sense of belonging that is inclusive, supportive, and long-lasting.

St. Louis Boxing Club, celebrating 13 years strong, offers dynamic personal training and group classes: Boxing, kickboxing, bootcamp, TRX, and boxing with a blend of yoga. Curiosity, health goals, or a desire to participate in the sport of boxing is what draws many to this specific gym space. Boxing brings us together, yet we gain so much more through community and connection.  

It is common to enter a fitness space and identify health goals focused on individualized physical well-being (e.g. attend class twice a week, do 50 pushups, lower blood pressure). At St. Louis Boxing Club, a parallel process happens while individuals are achieving physical health goals that, perhaps, offers more benefits – joining a community that serves as a foundation for so much more. Connection is a vital contributing factor for our whole health, especially in an era that finds so many feeling disconnected from one another. The health consequences of disconnection are too great to ignore. Former U.S. General Surgeon, Dr. Murthy, emphasized the importance of community as a source of life satisfaction and life expectancy. Relationships are at the core of community. They can be a source of support and joy and often act as buffer to stress. Relationships and sense of belonging in a fitness space matters to offer benefits beyond the gym (i.e. performance in work, school). St. Louis Boxing Club is a unique ecosystem that is co-created and supported by everyone working to the best of their abilities, side by side, day after day. We care for one another, care about who shows up, and care about who does not show up. There is a deep sense of caring about our lives outside the gym and a profound appreciation for how the community strengthens us to get through and thrive in life. Furthermore, there is an unwavering support for one another through various life challenges and celebrations. Many of us need a few different communities in our lives to make us feel whole, and the significance of a fitness community is one that cannot be understated.

Boxing is for everyone. St. Louis Boxing Club is for everyone. A community that rallies around you to be your best self is the magic you need. Choose you. Choose community. 

Reference:  My Parting Prescription for America