- April 23, 2024
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Jim Arthur had just moved his personalized fitness facility — The Body Exchange — into a brand new location in February on Tomoka Avenue. The new equipment was in place, new trainers were hired and he felt a sense of newfound freedom. Semi-retirement sounded like the perfect idea, so he organized his schedule accordingly. A 20-hour work week would do just fine.
Two weeks into his new life, Arthur got bored and started planning his next business venture. While cruising around Ormond with friend Mark Cunningham, he elaborated about the possibilities of opening a different type of facility.
“I said to Mark, I’d really like to put a business together that doesn’t have any competition in town, that I have a background in,” he said. “I want to box.”
Cunningham was immediately interested in the idea and has been involved ever since. Arthur asked if he would like to be an investor or an active partner. Even though Cunningham had never boxed before, he and Arthur became business partners.
“You never get bored in here. If I can burn 1,000 calories in one hour and throw 2,000 punches, I’m happy.”
LORI MILLER, Body Exchange Boxing member
“Part of the reason is that I trust Jim so much that I knew whatever he wanted to do, it would work out,” he said. “He has the ambition and foresight. There was no question in my mind. I know his work ethic.”
There are several fitness and health facilities along the Granada corridor, but no boxing facility. Arthur wanted to fill that need. The business partners secured the former Nature’s Garden building 58 W. Granada Blvd. in May and opened Body Exchange Boxing in June.
“I don’t think it would have been possible without Mark stepping in,” Arthur said. “He does stuff that I can’t do. He does stuff that I’m not good at. I’m good at day-to-day operations. I’m good at teaching how to box. Mark handles the logistical end of things.”
Arthur brings boxing and martial arts experience to his new business. He started “backyard boxing” when he was growing up in Virginia, and began boxing when he was in high school. In 1996 he placed first in the Florida State Judo Championships and also claimed a state championship in powerlifting, a third-place in body building and a third place in cycling.
Body Exchange Boxing members have the option of learning the fundamentals of boxing, getting fit in a boxing cardio class or delving deeper into Muay Thai technique.
“You can learn as much technique as you want or as little, it’s up to you,” Cunningham said. “You can apply the technique in the cardio classes or you can just hit the bag. We want them to have a good time and get in good shape and keep coming back.”
Instructor Jamie Barkley brought his clients with him before the facility opened which was over half of the membership, at the time. He ran Title Boxing in Port Orange before it closed and have taught Arthur and Cunningham a lot about running a boxing gym.
Lori Miller saw the sign and walked in. She boxed for five years at another gym and loves it.
“You never get bored in here,” she said. “If I can burn 1,000 calories in one hour and throw 2,000 punches, I’m happy.”
Arthur and Cunningham are discussing the expansion of programming at the gym. They have already interviewed a person that can start an after-school program at the facility and they will be starting a women’s self-defense course in the near future.
“We want a fun, friendly environment where our clients are not going to get hurt and going to get a great workout,” Arthur said. “And going to learn to defend themselves at the same time.”
