Boxing. Therapy.Purpose.
Boxing-based rehabilitation and wellbeing programmes in Sheffield, grounded in occupational therapy principles — for brain injury and stroke survivors, men's mental health, and anyone who wants to get fitter through boxing.
About Off The Canvas.
Off The Canvas is a Sheffield-based Community Interest Company using boxing as a tool for recovery, confidence and wellbeing. Our sessions are occupational therapy informed, built around real, everyday goals rather than clinical targets.
We were founded by Luis Palmer — an HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist, ex-professional boxer, England Boxing Level 1 coach, personal trainer and sports massage therapist — alongside co-founder Dr Michelle Odudu.
Off The Canvas exists because Luis lived it. After a brain injury, he had to rebuild his own confidence, routine and sense of purpose, and found that the gym was where recovery started to make sense. That experience shapes everything we do.
More about Luis and Off The Canvas →Boxing, Built Around People.
OT-Informed Programmes
Structured boxing-based programmes supporting people rebuilding routine, confidence and independence — including brain injury and stroke survivors.
Read more →Men's Mental Health
Boxing-based sessions creating space to move, talk and connect, at a pace that suits the person in front of us.
Read more →Personal Training & Boxing Fitness
1:1 and small group boxing fitness and training for all levels, whether you're starting out or getting back to it.
Read more →Sports Massage
Recovery-focused sports massage to support training, movement and everyday comfort.
Read more →Community & Youth Sessions
Accessible community boxing sessions and youth wellbeing programmes across Sheffield.
Threshold.
Pilot programmeThreshold is a 12-week, boxing-based rehabilitation programme for brain injury and stroke survivors, delivered in three phases: Foundation, Build and Consolidate.
Threshold is currently a 12-week pilot programme, with a wider roll-out planned for 2027.
Foundation
Building trust, basic movement and a steady routine.
Build
Developing skills, stamina and confidence week by week.
Consolidate
Embedding progress and planning next steps beyond the programme.
Grounded In Evidence.
Our sessions are built on the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), which looks at three things together: what motivates a person, the routines that shape their week, and their physical capacity to take part.
Progress is tracked using recognised outcome tools — Goal Attainment Scaling and the Kawa Model — so improvement is measured against goals that matter to the person, not a generic scale.
Move
Getting active again in a safe, supportive space.
Build
Growing capacity, routine and confidence over time.
Belong
Staying connected to people and activities that matter.
Two Sheffield Gyms.
TFC The Fitness Club
Rehab and recovery sessions.
Riley's Boxing & Fitness Gym
Community, youth and boxing fitness sessions, personal training and sports massage.
Common Questions.
Do I need boxing experience?
No. Most people who come to Off The Canvas have never boxed before. Sessions are non-contact and built around your starting point, whatever your fitness level.
Is it safe after a brain injury or stroke?
Sessions are occupational therapy informed and adapted to each person. We'll talk through your recovery first and may suggest checking with your GP or care team before you start. Nobody spars or gets hit.
Where are sessions held?
At two Sheffield gyms: TFC The Fitness Club in the city centre and Riley's Boxing & Fitness Gym in Hillsborough.
How do I get started?
Send us a message through the contact form or email info@offthecanvasboxing.com. We'll arrange a short, friendly chat about what you're looking for.
Get In Touch.
Email us any time at info@offthecanvasboxing.com.
If you're an organisation, charity, funder or referrer, we'd love to hear from you about working together.