May 1, 2017

Meet Kelly Crosby of Pink Gloves Boxing

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Crosby.

Kelly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Bozeman Montana. On an ROTC scholarship I graduated from the University of Oregon in Therapeutic Recreation. I served 10 years as an officer in Military Intelligence and resigned my commission to spend more time raising our 3 children. At that point, I pursued my love of fitness by becoming both a group fitness instructor and personal fitness trainer. I was able to perform in that capacity all over the world as my husband finished his career as an Army officer. Upon retiring in 1996, we moved back to Bozeman where I was hired as the Director of Group Fitness at Montana State University (MSU).

In 2010 I implemented the Pink Gloves Boxing program at MSU. We were the first major university to begin the program, and it simply took off like wildfire. I saw the positive impact it made on every person who took the class and knew that this was a program that should be made widely available. I worked several more years at Montana State University and then resigned in order to pursue my dreams of helping spread the Pink Gloves Boxing program to as many people as possible. I am now the Head Coach for PGB and have the opportunity to travel all over the country both promoting the program and coaching new instructors on implementing the program at their schools/clubs

I have the premier “dream job” as Head Coach of Pink Gloves Boxing. I get to share my passion for fitness through this amazing program that truly changes lives.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While the road I’ve travelled has not always been smooth, I would not give up a single experience I’ve had. I have grown a great deal both personally and professionally through the whole journey. At first it seemed daunting to give up my steady employment and paycheck from the university, but I determined that the benefits of pursuing my passion outweighed the financial security in staying put. This has been proven true over and over again. I cannot put a price tag on the feeling I have when I see this program making huge positive impacts on the lives of women. There is no better joy than seeing the lives of others improve knowing that I might have played a small role in helping that happen.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pink Gloves Boxing story. Tell us more about the business.
Pink Gloves BoxingTM (PGB) is a movement towards a healthier lifestyle!
The fitness world is overflowing with great programs, but PGB is in a class of its own. Pink Gloves is the only program that puts a great deal of focus on social and emotional growth in addition to the amazing workout.
Using the core movements of competitive boxing, PGB is a non-contact program for women who want to live a healthy lifestyle.

Pink Gloves Boxing is a club that promotes friendship, teamwork, and positive attitudes. We strive to bring the best out of individuals with a goal of improving their self-esteem, self-discipline, and self-motivation. Note the prefix “self” because it is of utmost importance.

Pink Gloves is a highly competitive group where members only compete against themselves. Each member strives to improve her own well-being, never comparing their skills to others.

The positive atmosphere of PGB does not allow for any negative competition among members. We use the strength of a community to strengthen the individual, and stronger individuals build stronger communities.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure that I would credit luck for influencing my life either good or bad. I do feel extremely fortunate to have been raised in a loving family, to have been well educated in great institutions, to have had the opportunity to serve my country and to have the greatest joy in my marriage and raising my own wonderful children. I believe that it was fate that brought Garret Garrels and his Pink Gloves Boxing to MSU when it did. It was perfect timing for implementation of this new program and for my transition from MSU to the Head Coaching position. I feel truly blessed for all of the opportunities life has given me to grow, learn and share.

Contact Info: