Name of business: The Bag Lab Fitness
Type of business: Kickboxing gym
Location: 327 W. Canal Dr., Turlock
Hours: Class schedule at www.thebaglabfitness.com
Contact information: 209-252-4588
Specialty: High-intensity, full body workout
History of business:
Turlock residents Lynne and Forester Wescott have been kickboxing enthusiasts for years, from their time living in Southern California as newlyweds to moments spent in Texas where they helped grow a community for the sport from the ground up.
When they returned to Turlock a few years ago to be closer to family, they knew the town’s citizens could use a space where they, too, could take out their frustrations on a punching bag — all while getting a great workout in.
Next month, that vision now known as The Bag Lab Fitness will celebrate its one-year anniversary of offering full body workouts that push clients not only physically, but mentally as well.
“When you come here, you’re going to get a complete workout from head to toe. You’re going to leave here tired, but when it comes down to it, it’s one of the best workouts you’ve ever had,” Lynne Wescott said. “You’re going to feel stronger, more empowered. There’s something to be said about learning to punch and kick a bag that is really powerful.”
The Bag Lab features classes led by Lynne, Forester and other certified trainers that teach participants how to throw jabs, crosses, uppercuts, hooks and kicks in a fast-paced environment. Participants don’t fight against each other, but land their punches on one of the many bags in the gym. The Wescotts were able to open The Bag Lab in April 2019 in collaboration with their business partners David and Chrissy King, who own the property and operate a karate studio next door.
For Lynne and Forester, it was a dream come true. Not only have they been able to share their passion for the sport with their clients, but they’ve created a community at the gym where all feel welcome, no matter what their abilities are.
“We made a very conscious decision when we got a place to really build a community, and to build a grassroots community from word of mouth,” Forester said. “We really want to get people in here who are interested, passionate and really wanting to be part of something. It’s paid off, which has been fantastic.”
“The great thing about it is that any fitness level can do it. Our oldest client is 75 and our youngest is about 14. Everybody is in the same class doing the same thing, so once you figure out the moves then you’re just doing it at your own pace,” Lynne added. “We’re here to push you, but not kill you.”
Beginners can try out kickboxing classes at The Bag Lab for a low price, which includes free hand wraps and boxing gloves with the purchase. Participants can sign up for classes on The Bag Lab’s website and pick from a variety of morning and evening times. Each 45-minute class intertwines standard fighting techniques with exercises in between each round, like jump squats or ab work, so that participants truly get their money’s worth.
“We’ve pieced together all of our favorite aspects from all of the different gyms we’ve been to, and added a few unique things of our own,” Forester said. “With kickboxing, you get cardio and resistance. If you want to stay active and have to pick just one workout, this is what I would say you should choose and I really believe in that.”
Though putting on the gloves and attacking a bag can be intimidating, the pair encouraged newcomers to give it a try.
“The hardest thing to do is to walk through that door,” Forester said. “Anyone who comes in here is already head and shoulders above where they started.”
