Local Boxing Gym, Keatesy’s, Expands with New Strength and Community Rooms
Boxing is a sport which you either love or don’t. Either way, there is no denying that it is a sport which teaches dedication and respect to kids and adults from all walks of life.
We were so happy to help our local boxing academy, Keatesy’s, with paint for their gym expansion project. We wish them all the very best for every future success and we, like you, can’t wait for lockdown to end so that we can get back to enjoying our chosen sports and hobbies.
The team at Regal Paint hope that you enjoy reading our blog and browsing the photos.
Where it Began
Keatesy’s Boxing Academy in Leek, Staffordshire, was opened by former professional boxer, Andy Keates, with the aim of training and developing his own set of competing amateur boxers. It was also hoped that the gym would become a community space.
The success of Keatesy’s Boxing Academy
Andy’s true love for boxing has created something much more than this. With years of competitive, professional fighting under his belt, and working with his wife and team of trainers, Keatesy’s has gone from strength to strength.
Since opening, they have progressed to having professional fighters and now host a wide range of boxing classes, bootcamps and mental health projects. They cater for all ages, from 4 years upwards, welcoming girls, boys, men and women of all abilities.
Giving Back to the Local Community and Inspiring Change
The local community is the beating heart of Keatesy’s.
The academy is passionate about boxing being a cathartic way to combat health and social issues.
Teaming up with local charities, schools and the council, Andy and Carly want to help reduce crime in their area. They assist people in turning their lives around and are driven to help combat mental-health problems and anti-social behaviour through boxing.
Boxing for Mental Health and Physical Fitness
For anyone who has ever worked out at a boxing gym, you will know that it is a house of rules and is commanding of respect.
A boxing coach makes you work hard and encourages you past the point of giving up. A boxing gym is intolerant of misbehaviour, but rewards those who want to listen and learn. It nurtures us mentally and inspires dedication. It creates self-belief and self-esteem where it may have been lacking. Above all, it is a family. It welcomes everyone and wants us all to be healthier and fitter.
Caring through Lockdown
Throughout lockdown, Andy has checked in on all his boxers, especially the younger ones, encouraging them to keep fit, stay motivated, speak up if they are struggling or feeling a bit low. Along with so many of our fabulous local gyms and personal trainers, they have run zoom sessions, outdoor sessions (when allowed to) and were devastated when the second wave hit.
Expanding the Boxing Gym
Trying to remain positive throughout the last twelve months has been hard for all of us, but Keatesy’s Boxing Academy have focused and have used the time to expand their facilities.
Out of the blue, the rooms next to the original boxing gym became available in the unit. After a bit of deliberation and deciding it was worth the financial risk, Andy and Carly snapped up them up. With a lot of hard work and team effort, they have had a change-round at the gym, creating a bigger space alongside a brand new strength room and a community room.
Regal Paint Happy to Help
It was a privilege to provide Keatesy’s with some of our products to help them with their boxing gym renovation. The new rooms were tired and in need of a little TLC. We supplied masonry paint, metal enamel, wood paint and brushes.
Paints and Colours Used
The walls and ceilings were painted with Regal Masonry Paint in white.
Our light grey paint has been used on the skirting boards, architrave and internal side of the door.
The external side of the front door is painted in our Post Office Red and looks spectacular from the road.
We also supplied slate grey and black metal enamel for use elsewhere throughout the gym.
Graffiti Art Murals
You might have noticed the fabulous graffiti art in the photos. These were painted by talented local graffiti-artist, Ethn Lemo. He created several brilliant murals on feature walls throughout the building.
Thinking of Attending Boxing Classes?
Are you local and think you may be interested in boxing training, either for fun or more seriously? Why not have a look at Keatesy’s Facebook and Instagram pages! If you aren’t local to Leek, but are still interested in boxing, why not look up your local boxing club and go along when gyms reopen after lockdown. Supporting your local facilities has never been as important.
Andy Keates Spars with Eddie Hall!
Andy has recently been a sparring partner for local legend and World’s Strongest Man 2017 Eddie Hall in Eddie’s training for his fight with Hafthor Bjornsson!! We think that this actually makes Andy an even bigger legend for entering a ring with someone three times his size!!
Renovating a Gym?
If you are renovating a gym in time for a much-awaited re-opening, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01782 550733 and we are happy to advise on suitable paints.
PAINTING THE EXTERNAL DOOR
renovating the strength and community rooms
keatesy’s boxing gym IN leek, staffordshire
Two Pack Epoxy Floor Paint (Top Coat) - This epoxy floor coating is designed for application to concrete, cement and non ferrous metals. It provides excellent resistance to water, solvents, acids, alkalis and salts and gives superb adhesion to all recommended substrates. Tough finish has long lasting abrasion and impact resistance. Recommended for areas receiving heavy traffic (vehicle/trucks). Following application of the product: Do not park vehicles or place heavy equipment on the floor for a minimum of 48 hours Do not get the floor wet for a minimum of 7 days as this will cause bloom (discolouration) - Coverage: 5-7 m² per litre - Touch Drying Time: 12-16 hrs - Recoat: 24 hrs - Hard Drying Time:48 hrs - Full Cure: 7 days
Two-Pack Epoxy Floor Sealer (Under Coat) - This epoxy floor paint (first coat) is designed to prepare the surface of concrete, cement and non ferrous metals. This gives an ideal base for epoxy topcoat or acts as a seal coat for bare concrete floors. Resistant to water, solvents, acids, alkalis and salts. Tough finish, and has long lasting abrasion and impact resistance. Recommended for areas receiving heavy traffic (vehicle/trucks). Following application of the product: Do not park vehicles or place heavy equipment on the floor for a minimum of 48 hours Do not get the floor wet for a minimum of 7 days as this will cause bloom (discolouration) - Coverage: 5-7 m² per litre - Touch Drying Time: 12-16 hrs - Recoat: 24 hrs - Hard Drying Time: 48 hrs - Full Cure: 7 days
Regal Products Used
Would you like to be in with the chance of winning a £50 Amazon eVoucher?
Would you like to be in with the chance of winning a £50 Amazon eVoucher? Why don’t you enter our March #showusyourproject competition? We love to see how our customers are using Regal products and, no matter how big or small your project, we welcome all entries!
Simply send us a few words about your project and the paint that you used, along with photographs* to sales@regalpaints.co.uk. Or if you are social media savvy, why not tag us @regalpaintuk on Facebook or Instagram?