"Quality over quantity"
Boxing trainer, coach, geologist: Dr. Tim Yilmaz holds a doctorate in geology, is a boxing coach, and founded the Mariposa Boxing Club in Munich—a space that is far more than just a place to box and work out. For the Tannerhof, he helped design the new fitness spaces in the Badeharpfe—environments dedicated to focus, strength, and calm. He has also been leading boxing camps at the Tannerhof for years. A conversation about movement, posture, and the art of training what truly matters.
From the desk to the boxing ring
Tim, you combine science, coaching, and boxing – an unusual combination. How did that come about?
I found my way into research through my diploma thesis, earned my doctorate, and worked in science for several years. At the same time, I was always active in sports – especially boxing – and soon became a trainer, back then at MTV 1879 Munich. I never would have finished my PhD without my training. For a while, I did both in parallel until I decided to focus entirely on boxing and coaching.
For me, it’s about modern, open-minded boxing, about finesse rather than just punching power. Boxers and scientists have a lot in common: both must work in a structured, precise way, down to the last detail, to improve and celebrate small successes.
What does training mean to you – physically, mentally, emotionally?
For me, training is freedom. A space where I can switch off – far from everyday life, far from social media, far from the flood of information. I find peace, do something for my health, and feel grounded at the same time. It is my safe space. At the same time, it gives my days a steady rhythm and helps me achieve my goals through hard work and dedication.
You founded the Mariposa Boxing Club – an unusual name for a boxing club. How did that come about?
"Mariposa" means butterfly – and reminds me of a vacation in Mexico with my wife. I wanted to feel that lightness in the name as well. I wanted to create a place where strength, precision, and elegance come together. For me, boxing is not an aggressive sport, but a conscious one. And boxing is suitable for everyone, regardless of background, gender, or profession.
Mariposa meets Tannerhof – the new gyms in the Badeharpfe
How did your collaboration with the Tannerhof come about?
Through my wife. She was here on vacation and came back enthusiastic: "You have to go there, it's your kind of place." I came, met Roger Brandes – and the idea of offering boxing camps at the Tannerhof quickly emerged. It just fit – personally, spatially, and atmospherically. Over the years, that turned into a friendship. Later, Roger asked me if I would like to help with the concept for the new fitness rooms – and I did so with pleasure.
What was your guiding principle when equipping the rooms?
Clearly: quality. The Tannerhof stands for craftsmanship, good materials, and attention to detail – and that should be reflected in the fitness rooms. We chose Eleiko, arguably the highest-quality brand in the strength training sector, and Technogym for the cardio equipment. Both stand for durability, sustainability, and thoughtful design. The equipment shouldn't just function – it should fit naturally into the atmosphere of the house.
I always try to get by with as little equipment as possible. Rooms should be able to breathe. Fewer machines, more movement. Good all-round equipment is enough to train in a versatile and sustainable way. That also has something to do with mindfulness – with clarity and focus.
How do the fitness rooms here differ from those in other hotels?
I don't know of any other hotel that offers Eleiko equipment of this quality. But the atmosphere is what really matters: here, you train with a view of the Alps, the pool, and nature. That is luxury in the truest sense—space, calm, light, and focus.
And I believe strength training will become an even greater focus. This is also reflected in the design of the new gyms in the Badeharpfe. Science makes it clear: strength means mobility, stability, and quality of life—especially as we age. Cardio remains important, but the balance is shifting. You can feel that here at the hotel, too.
Boxing at the Tannerhof
How do the boxing camps here work?
There are two formats: the Faster Camp, which lasts seven days and is combined with Buchinger therapeutic fasting, and the Schlanke Tanne Camp, which runs for five days and focuses on a low-carb, high-protein diet. Both feature daily sessions—boxing, strength, mobility, and morning activation. It’s intensive, yet holistic.
How does boxing go together with fasting?
Very well. The body has enormous energy reserves, and the training helps maintain muscle mass. Many people feel lighter, clearer, and more alert after just a few days.
How can boxing be combined with relaxation and nature?
Boxing requires rhythm—tension and relaxation. If you forget that, you overtrain. The nature here supports exactly that: regeneration, peace, and awareness.
And what do you hope people take away from your training?
That they understand: quality counts. Train consciously, take breaks seriously, and think long-term. And find joy in movement—not out of obligation, but out of enthusiasm.
What do you take away from these days yourself?
Above all, the encounters. Extraordinary people come together here at the Tannerhof. The evenings in the fasting camps are particularly inspiring—when everyone talks about food over tea. You realize how emotionally charged nutrition is. I learn something new every time, too. And the Tannerhof philosophy: quality, deceleration, sustainability. You can feel it in every detail—and I take that home with me every time.
