A BRADFORD gym is hoping to get young people active and away from crime as it looks ahead to a new expansion which will aim to get even more people through its doors.
Maxxout Gym in Allerton has now extended to a second floor and is also setting up a new studio space, where it will run free classes for young people under 16 – although people of all ages are still very much welcome.
The gym, which opened in September 2021, was founded by Umar Khan – a world champion in beeni, a South Asian sport which combines arm wrestling and martial arts – along with his brothers Yasser and Nazam.
As the cost of living crisis continues, Maxxout wants to be even more accessible for local people.
“There are many barriers for young people in Bradford, and some of them can’t afford to use a gym,” said Yasser.
“We charge £25 for a full access membership – we might think that’s not a lot, but for some people, it is.
“That’s why having free classes for under 16s will give youngsters more opportunities to come to the gym, do some training and learn new skills.”
The free classes include kick boxing, Thai boxing and strength and conditioning.
Yasser added that, since opening a year-and-a-half ago, he has seen improvements in the young people who have been taking part in classes at Maxxout.
“They’ve come a long way, they’ve changed a lot – both physically and mentally,” he said.
“If you give young people facilities like this, if will keep them away from being on the streets and getting involved in drugs and crime.
“As a gym, we’ve come a long way too. We’ve had a host of five-star reviews, it’s all taken off massively.
“People enjoy coming here, it’s a really good vibe.”
Yasser’s brother, Umar, is competing this weekend, defending his bheeni world heavyweight belt in Birmingham.
“We’re excited,” said Yasser.
“He’s had a few cancellations, it’s been a while since he’s competed. A lot of people follow Umar, so that’s helped more lads get to know us.”
Yasser is looking forward to the developments at Maxxout, and is hoping to target more audiences.
“The expansion is going to be massive for us, we want to get more young people and women coming along too,” he said.
“We’ve done really well since opening, and we want to keep giving more offerings to people.”
For more information, contact Maxxout Gym on 01274 496798 or email Maxxoutgym@post.com.
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