Empowering Punch, Strongsville’s hottest new personal training, fitness and boxing studio, is going to knock you out.

Launched just a few weeks ago by owner and professional boxer Paul Scianna, it’s already attracting droves of devotees longing to invigorate their regular fitness routines. In fact, it has become a magnet for the “anti gym” bunch who genuinely want to get started on the path to better health but are tired of the box-style, membership- based fitness center.

Paul’s love of boxing led him to national acclaim with a spot on Fox TV’s reality show The Next Great Champ with the infamous Oscar De La Hoya. Upon relocating to Cleveland from New Jersey (yep, he’s got the accent to prove it), he landed at a local fitness center as a trainer.

“I wanted to be able to give my clients more,” Paul says of his desire to open a studio with his personal stamp on it.

“I’m an emotion builder. I want my clients to feel acceptance and support when they visit. Our philosophy as a team is to hold our clients accountable to be the best they can be and to make sure they have fun while getting there,” he adds. “Whether you come in for a training session or to take a class, you are always under the watchful eye of our staff every step of the way. We provide very comprehensive and realistic programs to make sure you are never set up for failure.”

Walking through the Strongsville mall, it’s hard to miss the regulation-sized boxing ring located at the front of Empowering Punch’s generous glass-enclosed space. A half a dozen punching bags hang from the ceiling ready for action, and an inviting assortment of TRX suspension training straps dangle from a side wall.

Classes include Yoga, boot camp, abs/ core, TRX, body sculpting, BOSU and, naturally, a full array of boxing classes, like kickboxing, fitness boxing, youth boxing, and boxing fundamentals. There are 40 classes to choose from, and, regardless of your fitness level, there is something for everyone.

The staff is comprised of five certified personal trainers who teach the classes as well as offer one-on-one sessions in a private personal training studio. All boxing classes are taught by professionals and/or a licensed boxing coach.

“Boxing is one of the best workouts available,” says Paul, who learned how to box at age three when his grandfather laced him into his first pair of Muhammad Ali gloves and taught him how to throw a punch. “It teaches focus and discipline, builds strength, improves confidence, and increases body awareness and movement, which in turn translates into an ability to self-defend.”

But you don’t have to worry about walking away from your classes at Empowering Punch with a split lip and black eye, he adds with a chuckle.

Paul and his team have created an atmosphere that’s both motivating and fun. Clients look forward to workouts. They burn tons of calories, increase strength, endurance and core stability, and have a blast—all at the same time. Even the “exercise resistant” are surprised to discover how quickly they become involved and committed to working out.

“There are classes designated for a genuine boxing experience, but most provide the foundation for better fitness without the bruising side effects,” Paul promises. In fact, you might be surprised to know that the women outnumber the men in every class.

Empowering Punch is not membership based. Classes are charged on a per session basis or you can opt for the unlimited monthly plan, take as many classes as you’d like, and save.

New to the studio is a youth-based program including boxing and conditioning. The programs are designed to teach kids confidence, strength and discipline, and to help develop better motor skills, balance and stability. The six-week modules are available to kids ages 8-12 and offer progressive instruction for beginners, intermediate, and advanced participants. Registration is now open for the first session which begins on January 24th.

“I grew up through boxing,” Paul remembers. “It’s amazing how it can change the lives of kids and adults in so many ways.”

Empowering Punch is located in the SouthPark Mall, on the second floor, across from Dick’ s. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and other times by private appointment. The phone number is 440-572-2270. Visit the website at www.EmpoweringPunch.com.