From Kickboxing to Hyrox: How Training at Havant Leisure Centre Is Pushing Limits

For Michael, a 33-year-old living in Clanfield, exercise is far more than a routine, it is a fundamental need to test himself and physical exhaustion by the end of the day. While he has spent nearly two decades immersed in the world of elite kickboxing, he still craved a different kind of challenge to supplement his coaching career. This led him to the Hyrox classes at Horizon Leisure’s Havant Leisure Centre.

A foundation in wellbeing

Michael’s professional life is based at Gym01 in Portsmouth. He has trained in kickboxing for 18 years and coached at Gym01 for the last 10, training everyone from four year olds to adults. He is a second-grade black belt as well as a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer.

Michael explains: “After graduating in psychology, I started a career in Children’s Services. However, as someone with ADHD, I quickly realised that life behind a desk was not the right fit for me. At University, I participated in kickboxing and worked part time at Gym01. The team there acted as my mentors and encouraged me to transition into a full-time coaching career – I’ve never looked back.”

Havant Leisure Centre – a new challenge

Despite his professional expertise in combat sports, Michael sought out a different kind of challenge for his own personal training. This led him to the Hyrox classes at Horizon Leisure’s Havant Leisure Centre. Designed as a high-intensity functional fitness programme, Hyrox provides structured circuits and timed stations incorporating a demanding mix of equipment, including rowers, wall balls and various weighted exercises.

Michael says: “The environment at Havant Leisure Centre has been just as important as the workout itself. The Hyrox classes attract a diverse mix of people, from those training for competitive events to those simply looking to improve their general wellbeing. There’s a lot of misconceptions about Hyrox – that it’s too scary, too intense or that you need to be super fit to join in. But the trainers are skilled at providing modifications for all ability levels, ensuring the sessions remain inclusive. I attend once or twice a week to supplement my kickboxing regime and would recommend the classes to anyone wanting to work out in a group-lead activity. It’s good fun and it challenges you, but only at a level you’re confident at.”