Kelly Crosby worked as the Group Fitness Director for Montana State University and today is the Joint Manager of Pink Gloves Boxing – a revolutionary boxing fitness program for women.

At what point in your life did you know that you were destined to work in this particular field helping women?
I was in my 4 year as Director of Group Fitness at Montana State University when Garret Garrels, the creator/owner of Pink Gloves Boxing, approached me. He introduced his unique boxing fitness program to me as a potential new addition to our group fitness classes. I was immediately impressed with the program due to its comprehensive approach to a person’s total well- being and not just on one’s physical abilities. I felt this program would be a perfect fit for young college women looking for a great fitness class with added benefits of providing a positive social atmosphere and community of support. Upon implementing Pink Gloves Boxing at MSU I immediately saw a much greater impact than I had imagined. The message of PGB was spread by word of mouth from the initial participants and classes filled faster than I could schedule. The word was that Pink Gloves Boxing was more than just an exercise class. It was a non-threatening exercise class that in addition to providing a great workout, it was giving members a sense of well being, belonging and having a voice. When I saw the impact that it was having on the participants at MSU, I knew that I wanted to take a bigger role in this organization that was changing so many lives in such a positive manner.

It took me a couple of years to complete projects I had started at MSU. But 3 short years after introducing PGB at MSU, I resigned as the fitness director there to pursue my dream of helping spread the word about this program that was changing so many lives of young women. I became the head coach for Pink Gloves Boxing and have never looked back.

What life events led you to join the team at PGB?
I am one of four sisters and a brother in a family with wonderfully supportive parents from Bozeman Montana. Growing up I witnessed and experience what it was like to be encouraged, supported and challenged by my parents, siblings, teachers and peers. I was a lucky child! In college, on an R.O.T.C. scholarship, I recognized the importance of positive leadership and a supportive community and what a difference having that made in my overall performance as a student. As an officer in the Army I saw soldiers from vastly different upbringings all trying to succeed at their jobs. It was apparent; those who had confidence, dedication and drive all came from backgrounds where they had been given positive support and encouragement. Being the mother to 3 children, 2 girls and a boy, gave me daily insight into the importance of providing a loving supportive atmosphere for their growth and success. I’ve enjoyed teaching group fitness classes for over 25 years and love the positive impact fitness makes in the lives of the participants. In my mind, Pink Gloves Boxing embraces the positive aspects that I’ve experienced in every step of my growth; from a young child; to student; to soldier; to mother/wife; to fitness instructor. This program encompasses the support, challenges, encouragement, rewards and goals that I witnessed as the recipe for success in all phases of my life. I knew that I wanted to be a part of an organization that provided this recipe of success to those who participated.

In your current position, what are some of the most inspiring events that you have been privileged to be a part of in relation to empowering women through fitness?
It is difficult to narrow down the most inspiring stories/events I have witnessed because there are so many and they should all be recognized. However, I can relate a couple that come to mind immediately. There was a Pink Gloves Boxing club in Belgrade Montana that had a pretty small but committed group of participants. It came to their attention that the sister of one of the members was diagnosed with stage 4-colon cancer at the young age of 32. She had no health insurance and was financially struggling. The members of the PGB group took it upon themselves to organize a fund- raiser to benefit this young woman. They put together a fantastic event with boxing demos and sponsorships, a dinner and a live and silent auction. The young woman with the cancer attended this live event, and her heartfelt appreciation speech left not a dry eye in the place. They raised over $15,000.

This was just one example of how the camaraderie and support of the group makes a difference. There are many other similar stories. There are also stories of how PGB changes the lives of individuals. One of my early participants in PGB was a non- traditional college student. She was a mother/wife who was going back to school after a long break. She was quite reserved, quiet and unsure of herself at the start of the session. She gradually made some friends and opened up about her challenges in life, in school and in family. With the support of the other members in her group, she persevered in her studies when faced with dropping out. She committed to coming to class when she wanted to quit. She faced head on some troubling family situations with the encouragement of other members. Surprising even herself, she continued to sign up for subsequent Pink Gloves Boxing classes.

The last chapter of this story is that now in addition to having her college degree, a successful career and happy family life, this woman is a Pink Gloves Boxing trainer. There are almost as many stories about the positive impact of Pink Gloves as there are participants. We instructors are constantly being rewarded by stories of success from our members.

What are some special resources, programs and unique features that makes Pink Gloves Boxing stand apart from other fitness centers? Are there any other incentives you would like to implement in the near future?

Pink Gloves Boxing has numerous aspects that make it stand out as unique in the fitness industry. PGB classes are not “drop-in” classes. Participants sign up for the duration of the “Tier”, usually one semester at universities or approximately 3-4 months at a gym. This promotes the community atmosphere of the class that result in camaraderie and teamwork. In addition to providing a great physical workout PGB includes mental and leadership challenges at each Tier. PGB has a saying that “Fit is a Feeling.” Much of today’s fitness industry focuses on how a person looks and how their program will help to reshape a body. PGB encourages members to embrace their bodies and work together at being healthier in a more holistic manner. “Revealing the Champion from Within” is the motto that all PGB members learn. Every individual is a champion at his or her core.

PGB encourages tearing down the barriers that prevent individuals from achieving their goals. Every member of a PGB class has a voice that is recognized without judgment or ridicule. Members are expected to show respect and acceptance to each other regardless of any outside influencing factors. In every Pink Gloves Boxing class all members have one-on-one time working with the instructor. This promotes a much closer bond of trust and respect between trainer and student allowing for a more personal relationship to develop. These are only a few of the many ways that Pink Gloves Boxing stands out as unique and innovative in comparison to other fitness classes.

A very unique incentive that PGB offers is a risk free trial to clubs and universities. A trial period for implementing the program is offered before ever having to pay the licensing fee. If the program is

not successful, the licensing fee is not charged. The PGB staff and owner will do everything possible to help insure the success of the program no matter where it is being held. We have traveled to Sweden, Norway and Bahrain in addition to all corners of the United States to assist with the training and implementation of Pink Gloves Boxing. Our goal is to spread the word of what a strong program this is for the individual growth of its members and the community it develops.

I had no idea, 9 years ago, that this young man sitting in front of me at my MSU fitness office was proposing a program that would change my life. I now have the honor and task of traveling the world to promote this unique life- changing program to women. I strive to speak to anyone who will listen about the positive changes that can occur when participating in a Pink Gloves Boxing class.