LYNN — While the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns have been hard on gyms all over the country, a gym in Lynn has earned some recognition for its impact on the community. Private Jewels Fitness, a boxing and fitness gym owned by Alex Sepulveda, has been selected for the 2020 Lynn Small Business Excellence Award in the Gyms classification.
“I’m truly humbled by the award,” said Sepulveda. “This is really a reflection on everyone who has supported me and the gym through the years and all of the kids who come and train there.”
The Lynn Small Business Excellence Awards recognize outstanding small businesses that serve the Lynn area. The awards focus on quality, not quantity, when choosing its recipients. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Lynn Small Business Excellence Award Program and data collected by third parties.
“It’s a big boost for us as a gym,” Sepulveda said. “With all that’s been going on (with the coronavirus shutdowns), it’s been a tough time not just for us but also for all the other gyms in the area. We’re all a big family, and it’s been a tough time. But getting this award has been huge for us, and I just want to dedicate it to everyone who comes and supports the gym in any way.”
Sepulveda has continued to work with his boxers during the shutdown, albeit in a different way than everyone is used to.
“I’m still working with my boxers, but the gym is obviously closed right now as we have to abide by the state regulations,” Sepulveda said. “I’ve been giving all of my boxers free online training because I just have to keep them active. Who knows when the next event is even going to be, so we just have to keep working and keep things as normal as possible.”
Sepulveda stresses the importance of staying in touch with his athletes constantly, as many come from at-risk situations and need the structure that the gym normally provides.
“I’ve got to keep them around, otherwise we’ll lose them to the streets,” Sepulveda said. “I try to stay in touch with them every day, sending them workouts and making sure they continue to run. They’re always sending me videos showing me that they’re doing the workouts. It’s all about staying in contact.”
The Lynn Small Business Excellence Awards were established to reward the best of small businesses in Lynn. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups.