By Kaylum Red Gun
The Many Guns Boxing and Fitness establishment has been an asset to the Siksika Nation and its people. Opening to the public in the fall of 2021, the Many Guns boxing gym was given its name in dedication to the late boxer Clifford Many Guns, who sadly passed away in 2017.
Currently, the gym’s aim is to act as a way to empower its people through physical activity as well as honor Siksika’s rich history in boxing and fitness. The gym and its members believe that physical activity such as boxing can play an integral role in benefiting mental health by “reconnecting the body and the mind.” The gym is an open and safe environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, grow, and participate in physical activity, which not only benefits physical growth but also mental and emotional well-being.
The Many Guns Boxing and Fitness Center is not limited to boxing but also offers many other activities with their own designated time slots, such as Muay Thai, Yoga, Queenax, fitness classes, and women’s fitness classes. These classes are led and coordinated by professional athletes dedicated to helping the community learn and grow with their past experiences and knowledge. It acts as a vital trauma management resource.
With all this being said, the gym provides its resources and activities free of charge to any and all Nation members interested, with no membership required.
Dedicated and amiable trainers await those willing to participate in any of the classes provided at the gym. Alexandra Legualt and Rob Edmonstone are two of the trainers here who have an extensive history in boxing and fitness that are willing and ready to share with anyone eager enough to take it from them. They are a couple who share a passion and history for the sport of boxing with their own gym locations located in Strathmore and Calgary under the name “Undisputed Boxing.
”On top of managing gyms and classes in other locations, the couple hosts boxing and fitness classes every morning on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the times of 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. They also manage evening classes at the Many Guns boxing gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Muay Thai is another martial art that is hosted at the gym here in Siksika Nation. Regan Running Rabbit, who has extensive experience in both professional MMA and martial arts in general, is in charge of coordination. Alongside Regan, Tawny Bigbull is also a muay Thai/kickboxing instructor who helps coordinate classes at the gym.
Currently, muay Thai training at the gym is held from Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM, but this time is subject to change and will be updated on the Many Guns Boxing Gym Facebook page and other social media pages. The gym also offers many other training programs and avenues for physical health, such as yoga, women’s fitness, and their Queenax fitness classes. The sessions are directed by open, competent, and knowledgeable trainers who contribute to a secure and effective training atmosphere.
These instructors include Isabel Wells, Chelsey Yellowfly, Jaiden Koochicum, Halle Doore, andTawny Big Bull. Yoga classes at the Manyguns boxing and fitness center are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, with the first available class being held at 4:00 PM and the next class at 5:00 PM.
The Queenax program is another physical activity routine that takes place on Mondays at 6:00 PM and Wednesdays at 4:00 PM. The gym also hosts women’s fitness classes, which provide a welcoming environment for the female demographic and are hosted on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
On top of the gym’s already busy schedule Regular fitness classes are offered to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:00 p.m. every week, unless otherwise posted.
With all of these programs backed up by proficient and willing instructors, community members have been and will continue to take advantage of the absolutely free programs and classes provided by the gym. Local and active community member Quarthon Bear Chief expressed how he benefited from the center and the services they provide in an interview.
“The gym has helped my wellbeing, mental health, and physical health. The fact that it’s free takes the financial stress away from having a gym membership. It helps relieve stress, so it’s very beneficial, and I encourage people to come and take full advantage.”
In an interview, Craig Bear, Chief, another local Siksika Community member who has been going to the establishment for almost a full year had this to say while being asked about how he has benefited from the Many Guns Boxing Gym Center.
“It’s really given me something to look forward to in the evenings, as it provides great cardio with great coaches and community. They also have resources to help you with the nutrition aspect of fitness, with coaches that have a real passion for it, which encourages you to work hard. It’s helping me sharpen my mind and sharpen my skills; there’s always something to keep you going, as it never gets boring.”
Ultimately, the Many Guns Boxing and Fitness Center aims to help people better themselves, whether that be through stress relief, physical health and growth, or mental clarity. They champion the idea of being aware of the essential link between the mind and body through the means of physical activity and the transcending of your own personal limits.
By providing an inviting domain for members of all walks of life to thrive in, the gym has helped and continues to encourage people to grow and better themselves. Anyone and everyone interested in utilizing the gym’s services should do so, given that it is a free and accessible resource.
Siksika Health Services Mental Health Clinic established Many Guns Boxing and Fitness to help individuals reconnect their body and mind. Dr. Quintina Bear Chief-Adolfo, who is the Mental Health Team Leader and over see’s the Many Guns boxing and fitness had this to say about the gym’s active role as a trauma-based resource.
“Siksika Health Services Mental Health Clinic established Many Guns Boxing and Fitness to help individuals reconnect their body and mind. Trauma has disconnected the body and mind, making ourselves foreign to ourselves. We don’t know who we are because we are numb both physically and emotionally. Many Guns is aiming at reconnecting the body and mind for the purpose of addressing trauma.
Our programs naturally heal the internal physical systems that were broken due to trauma. Systems that help us displace the numbness allowing us to feel both physically and emotionally. Clients who have the ability to feel both emotionally and physically are prepared to receive the greatest benefits from counselling therapy, able to securely reconnect with all their relations: relationships with the Creator, His creation, self and others.”
