SF gym is breathing life into a sagging boxing scene
ByTore Loding

Simon Redmond shadow boxes at Granelli's Gym. Simon Redmond, 25, has been boxing for approximately 1 year.

These days working out is a science. New techniques, new programs and new equipment make the whole process easier and more efficient. But lost in this whole new muscle and sweat revolution is a component Vaj Granelli says his boxing gym is built on: heart.

It's 7:30 p.m. at Granelli's Boxing & Kick Boxing gym and the last class of the day is just finishing. Sweat-soaked student boxers untie each other's gloves. Vaj walks over to his friend and business partner Gary Vaspol. Gary, the gym's expert on conditioning and weight training, is just finishing a post-sparring talk with Simon, an Irish boxing talent. "You were shadow-boxing out there," Gary says.

Simon looks straight at him, nodding in agreement with the criticism. "You have to keep your head clear," Gary says. "Be patient and think about your combinations." Simon nods again and says "OK." Vaj unties Simon's gloves and the boxer wipes the sweat off his forehead. Gary pats him on the back for the effort.

As Simon walks away Vaj turns to Gary and says: "He's got a lot of heart, but sometimes he just gets too edgy and starts brawling. We've got to work on that." Gary nods.

BIRTH OF A GYM....OVER SOME BEERS