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Discover Downtown Gloversville

  • Jennifer Donovan
  • 30 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

Building a Stronger Gloversville: How Go For It Fitness & Glove City Sluggers Boxing are Transforming Lives Through Wellness and Fitness


Jarrod Johnson
Jarrod Johnson

In his office at 7-11 Church Street, Jarrod Johnson sits before a stack of folders representing a staggering 15,000 hours of life-changing work. These pages tell the story of Go For It Fitness & Personal Training Studio, a wellness journey that began in 2016 and has since transformed the landscape of health in Gloversville.


Nearly a decade later, Johnson, a Gloversville native, is doing more than just running a gym; he is cultivating a community where fitness meets mental resilience, and youth find their purpose.


Go For It Fitness: A Wellness Center, Not a "Run of the Mill" Gym:

Bridging the Gap Between Exercise & Preventive Health Care Measures

 

If you are looking for a crowded, corporate "big box" gym, Go For It Fitness isn’t it. Johnson’s philosophy is rooted in providing a "judgment-free zone" focused on the guidance and knowledge necessary for long-term lifestyle success.


Johnson, certified by the International Sports Sciences Association, treats fitness as a science. His approach is holistic, featuring intensive "Lifestyle Resets" that include nutritional coaching, tailored for each individual.


His expertise has earned him a dedicated following, particularly among the 55+ demographic. However, these programs are for all ages, as anyone can benefit from these services to better their wellness. His specialized services include:


  • Exercise Therapy & Nutrition Counseling: Tailored sessions to meet specific client needs.

  • Pre-Therapy: Specialized training for those preparing for surgery or recovering from injury to ensure a smoother recovery process.

  • Post-Surgery Services: These programs help the individual post-surgery and post-procedures transition from physical therapy back on the road to wellness and independence. The exercise and other exercise programs help individuals also with recovering back to their day-to-day fitness and well-being.

  • Continued Education: Johnson has consistently expanded his credentials through the International Sports Sciences Association, earning certifications as a Corrective Exercise Specialist (current specialization, 2026), Specialist in Exercise Therapy (2022), Specialist in Senior Fitness (2020), Specialist in Fitness Nutrition (2018), and Certified Personal Trainer (2016).


"I opened Go For It Fitness & Personal Training Studio with one goal in mind, and that was how to help people transform their lives," Johnson says. " I believe that anyone can achieve their self-improvement goals with the proper guidance and support system.”


Glove City Sluggers: Building Skills and Character


Glove City Sluggers Boxing established 2024
Glove City Sluggers Boxing established 2024

Johnson’s success in the fitness and wellness world has allowed him to pour his passion into the Glove City Sluggers Boxing Club, a non-profit organization and official member of USA Boxing.


This isn’t just about learning how to throw a punch in the boxing ring; it’s a vital outlet for local youth to improve their physical and mental well-being. The club operates under strict Olympic parameters, teaching technical skills alongside essential life lessons:


  • Resilience & Respect: Teaching students to respect themselves and others.

  • Mental Clarity: Using the sport as a tool for stress relief and focus.

  • Accountability: Instilling simple but vital habits like showing up on time and maintaining a positive attitude, regardless of a win or a loss. 


Making History: The Bobby Stewart Tournament of Champions


For the first time in nearly 40 years, regional boxing is returning to the Gloversville area. On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the Bobby Stewart Tournament of Champions will take place at SUNY-FMCC.


Bobby Stewart from his boxing days.
Bobby Stewart from his boxing days.

This sanctioned event honors Amsterdam native "Irish" Bobby Stewart, the 1974 National Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion, famously known for discovering boxing legend Mike Tyson when Stewart was working as a juvenile detention counselor at Tryon Residential Center for Boys in Perth, NY. Stewart’s legacy of requiring academic achievement and good behavior from his trainees is the same code that Glove City Sluggers instills today.


Jarrod Johnson is trading his coaching whistle for boxing gloves for this event. Beyond supporting the local youth program, Johnson views this fight as a metaphor for the universal struggles we all face. Whether the hurdles are physical or psychological, Johnson believes the preparation is where the true growth happens. As he puts it: “Your biggest opponent is you.” By stepping into the spotlight, he aims to show that anyone can find the inner strength to tackle their personal battles.


Bobby Stewart and Jarrod Johnson with youth from Glove City Sluggers. Photo Credit: Bill Trojan
Bobby Stewart and Jarrod Johnson with youth from Glove City Sluggers. Photo Credit: Bill Trojan

Event Details

The Bobby Stewart Tournament of Champions will be held on April 11 at SUNY-FMCC.
The Bobby Stewart Tournament of Champions will be held on April 11 at SUNY-FMCC.

  • When: April 11, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Where: SUNY-FMCC, 2805 Route 67, Johnstown

  • The Event: In addition to local competitor Jarrod Johnson, there will be an estimated 15 total bouts for the event featuring athletes from throughout the Adirondack Region, as well as another Gloversville representative, Fighter Cody Stone.

  • Tickets: Purchase at the door or in advance from these local businesses:

    • Naif's of Gloversville

    • Sage & Cedar Cafe of Gloversville 

    • Fulton County Barbershop of Gloversville

    • True Value of Gloversville 

    • Brass Monkey of Gloversville

    • Bowmans Market of Gloversville 

    • Ruby & Quiri of Johnstown

 

Supporting the Downtown Community


Johnson’s dual role allows him to bridge the gap between individual fitness and broader community development, proving that a strong community starts with strong individuals. Johnson is a firm believer that one local business can set an example for an entire city. By supporting other local businesses and creating events that draw visitors from as far as Utica, Kingston, and the Adirondacks, he is helping make Gloversville a place where people want to live, work, set up their own businesses, and more.


Proceeds from the upcoming tournament will go directly back to the Glove City Sluggers to help local youth find their fullest potential.

 

Get Involved & Stay Active

 

Whether you are looking for specialized one-on-one attention or want to support the next generation of local athletes, here is how you can connect:

 Go For It Fitness & Personal Training Studio

 

Glove City Sluggers Boxing (Volunteer & Support)


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