"Quality before quantity"
Boxing trainer, coach, geologist: Dr. Tim Yilmaz has a doctorate in geology, is a boxing coach and founder of the Mariposa Boxing Club in Munich, which is much more than just a place to box and train. He helped design the new fitness rooms in the Badeharpfe for the Tannerhof - places that stand for concentration, strength and tranquillity. He has also been offering boxing camps at Tannerhof for years. A conversation about movement, posture and the art of training the essentials.
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 dissertation, did my doctorate and worked in science for a few years. At the same time, I always did sport - especially boxing - and soon became a coach, back then at MTV 1879 Munich. Without my training, I would never have completed my doctorate. I did both at the same time for a while until I decided to focus fully on boxing and coaching.
I'm interested in modern, open-minded boxing, in finesse rather than just punching power. Boxers and scientists have a lot in common: both have to work in a structured way, very cleanly and down to the last detail in order to get better 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 - away from everyday life, away from social media, away from the flood of information. I calm down, do something for my health and feel grounded at the same time. It's my safe space. At the same time, the days have a fixed rhythm and help me to achieve my goals through hard work dedication.
You founded the Mariposa Boxing Club - an unusual name for a boxing club. How did it come about?
"Mariposa" means butterfly - and reminds me of a vacation in Mexico with my wife. I wanted to convey this lightness in the name. I wanted to create a place where power, 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 enthusiastically: "You have to go there, this is your place." I came, met Roger Brandes - and the idea of offering boxing camps at the Tannerhof quickly came about. It was a perfect fit - in terms of people, space and atmosphere. It became a friendship over the years. Roger later asked me if I would like to help design the new fitness rooms - and I was delighted to do so.
What was your guiding principle when furnishing the rooms?
Quite clearly: quality. The Tannerhof stands for precision craftsmanship, good materials and attention to detail - and this should be reflected in the fitness rooms. We opted for Eleiko, probably the highest quality brand in the strength training sector, and for Technogym for the endurance equipment. Both stand for durability, sustainability and well thought-out design. The equipment shouldn't just work - it should fit naturally into the atmosphere of the building.
I always try to get by with as little equipment as possible. Rooms should be able to breathe. Fewer appliances, 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 other hotels?
I don't know of any hotel that offers Eleiko equipment of this quality. But the atmosphere is crucial: here you can train with a view of the Alps, the pool and nature. It's luxury in the best sense of the word - space, peace, light, concentration.
And I believe that strength training will become more of a focus. This is also reflected in the design of the new gyms in the Badeharpfe. It is scientifically clear that strength means mobility, stability and quality of life - especially in old age. Cardio remains important, but the balance is shifting. You can also see that here at the hotel.
Boxing at Tannerhof
How do the boxing camps work here?
There are two formats: the Faster Camp, which lasts seven days and is combined with Buchinger therapeutic fasting, and the Lean Tanne Camp, which lasts five days and focuses on a low-carb, high-protein diet. Both include daily sessions - boxing, strength, flexibility, morning activation. It's intense, but holistic.
How does boxing go together with fasting?
Very well. The body has enormous energy reserves, and the training keeps the muscles intact. Many people feel lighter, clearer and more alert after a few days.
How can boxing be combined with relaxation and nature?
Boxing needs rhythm - tension and relaxation. If you forget that, you overtrain. Nature here supports exactly that: regeneration, calm, awareness.
And what would you like people to take away from your training?
That they understand: quality counts. Train consciously, take breaks seriously, think long-term. And find joy in exercise - not out of obligation, but out of enthusiasm.
What do you yourself take away from these days?
Above all, the encounters. Extraordinary people come together here at the Tannerhof. The evenings at the fasting camps are particularly inspiring - when everyone talks about food over tea. That's when you realize how emotionally charged nutrition is. And I learn something new every time. And the attitude at the Tannerhof: quality, slowing down, sustainability. You can feel it in every detail - and I take it home with me every time.
