I was finding it difficult to stay motivated enough to maintain a steady routine at a big brand gym and with my 40th birthday on the horizon, I needed something new to get me up from my desk. That's when I stumbled upon the boxing club at the Stables. With zero experience and a little online research about the owner, I decided to take advantage of a trial special with Cary and I immediately became hooked. The first few months introduced me to the sport and fundamentals of boxing, all kinds of soreness, and a dramatic increase to my core strength and flexibility. I honestly wasn't sure how much I would enjoy an instructor-lead class at first, but the sessions are a perfect mix of boxing and weight training, all at a speed that keeps you moving and sweating - resulting in a better workout than I used to get on my own spending twice as long at a standard gym. Plus, there is nothing quite like putting the fundamentals learned to the test when you get to spar under Cary's guidance. One year later and almost 30 pounds lighter, I'm seeing my body transform into something closer to what it was 10 years ago and my mental health has never been better. I would recommend the Stables to anyone looking for an excellent workout, whether you know anything about boxing or not. read more

Ok. I wanted to take a few classes before I went ahead and reviewed this place, but I can't wait any longer. I've been wanting to find something to get me excited about working out again. I've often thought about Boxing, but was intimidated with, well, getting my ass kicked. One day while perusing through Groupon, just looking for something to catch my interest, I find this deal for The Stables. Of course there's an incredibly gorgeous girl on the ad looking absolutely bad ass punching the shit out of a bag with her guns. "She's not real," I thought. Oh, but she is. I decided to take the leap. I needed a good ass kicking. Contacted The Stables immediately to schedule my Fundamentals class where you learn the basics. I get there and, Hey! There's that gorgeous girl on the ad (Cary)! She actually is real, and yes, she's fucking bad ass. I've taken Kickbox Cardio and Turbo Kick and all of that stuff. While fun and a decent workout, that is not what you're getting here. Here you need actual boxing supplies and you will hit your ex, your boss, that mofo that cut you off on your way to work...on the bag. Great stress reliever! Your form will be focused on heavily. Cary doesn't mess around and I like that shit. Classes are small, so don't think you can scrape by without really trying. And if you don't really want to try, why are you here? Classes have been a bit different each time I go, but you get jump rope time, floor time (where you learn combos), bag time (where you practice those combos), and speed bag time. She'll throw in some other kind of working out (squats, lunges, circuit) on top of all that and you. will. feel. it. I leave this place dripping in sweat and even though I may not feel like my muscles are thoroughly working while hitting the bag, the next day they let me know how worked they are. Hurts so good! So excited to continue and so glad I decided to take the leap. Thanks, Cary! read more

The Stables - Boxing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Awesome trainer and work out! I really enjoy taking classes with Cary, she is a great teacher. Every class she is challenging me with improving my boxing skills and with a full body work out. I've learned a lot about boxing but also walk away drenched in sweat from a killer workout every week. I've been taking classes twice a week for the last two years and get so much out of the workouts. My technique has improved - Cary stresses technique which is great. I like that I'm learning boxing and getting a great workout. read more

The owner of this gym is a self righteous jerk. She's a glorified aerobics instructor who has no business teaching boxing. I was gifted 10 class passes to this gym when I was training for a charity boxing event. I thought it would be great to supplement my training at a more serious boxing gym. Omg I was wrong. I joined a class one evening and the owner repeatedly shunned me because I didn't know the workout routine like the few regulars in the class. She kept stopping the group when I made missteps to try and embarrass me. I mean, really? I have to just shake my head and laugh. The other nine passes did make pretty good toilet paper though, so there's that. The owner should be a bail bondsman or a target security guard, not a boxing trainer. Buyer beware! read more

I have practice martial arts and sparred in Bruce Lee's martial art Jeet Kune Do's system before coming to Cary's boxing and strength training classes. I was impressed with Cary's commitment to correct technique and personalized attention in a group class setting. My hand striking skills and weight training routine has benefited from Cary's classes. She is a great resource for those looking for no nonsense boxing and strength conditioning on the west side. read more

I have been taking boxing lessons in the South Bay for the last five years. I lost a good boxing coach that I really liked at my gym and I started searching all over the South Bay and they are plenty of Martial Arts Schools but their is not one that just offers western boxing. I finally came across Cary Williams who's name is synonymous with boxing last year and since been driving all the way to santa monica twice a week at 5am from Redondo Beach. All I have to say, that their are not enough stars in the universe that can be bestowed to Cary Williams. 5 stars are not enough! read more

TL;DR Try this gym 1st because Cary puts the fun in fundamentals :) All the good stuff in other reviews is 100% true! As a nerd who likes to research extensively before making a decision, the reviews are what sold me on trying this over another gym, so I thought I'd try to pay it forward. I've been involved with martial arts since I was little. I LOVE technique. So, when I was shopping around that was my focus; learn fundamentals from a real fighter. BOOM, nailed it; you will get that here. IMHO you must drill the fundamentals over and over and over until it's automatic if you really want to get good at something like this. Cary keeps you honest and is constantly reminding you to correct your stance, relax your shoulders, BREATHE (yep, you'll forget to breathe too; it's a rite of passage). Due to the smaller class size you aren't going to get away with sloppy technique/being lazy and you will get a lot of individual attention. I have done everything from women's tackle football to Crossfit and I have to say this an a** kicker of a workout! read more

I trained at The Stables with Cary for over a year and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her gym/training to anyone who wants an education in the fundamentals of boxing and an extremely challenging workout. Boxing classes in Los Angeles right now seem to be a dime a dozen. Group classes of 30 or 40 that place an emphasis on total calories burned and instant gratification where students are throwing punches on heavy bags with little to no guidance. This is not The Stables. Cary takes great care to slowly and methodically teach her students/gym members the proper stance, technique and fundamentals of boxing that result in proper form, a complete body workout and most importantly, avoidance of injury. The by-product of her methodology is not only a growing foundation of boxing fundamentals, but a workout that proves to be extremely challenging, rewarding and geared for lean gains. Prior to The Stables, I would have assumed that 5 minutes of shadow boxing was child's play, especially for a big guy. Ten seconds into my first shadow boxing drill with Cary, I thought about sitting down and taking a time out! Simply put: Great gym to truly learn boxing technique and develop superb conditioning. Just leave your ego at the door and be willing to learn. read more

Truth is, I needed to hit something. Typically I'm more of a (fantastic) lover than a fighter. But following a devastating break-up that I swear you couldn't write the ending for, I really...needed...to...hit...something. A lot. Additionally, if you were to see me, you'd know I'm probably more built for the power of boxing than the endurance racing (triathlons) that I've been suffering through for the past 5 years. I needed a change of athletics. So I went looking on Groupon and LIving Social, because I'm also thrifty. And I happened to find a new boxing gym but a wee block walk from my apartment. I convinced 3 friends to sign up and BOOM, free month-long boxing bootcamp for moi. Game ON. It's a small, but clean facility, with focus on small group classes (6 max) on M/W/F. There are also options for private lessons. I skipped the fundamentals class and went straight into the camp, but the fundamentals really is something not to be missed, as the classes are technical. One of my friends had to take it a couple times to get all the basics down. You are NOT here to prance around in a thong leotard bobbing and weaving and flailing away at a heavy bag like typical gym boxing/kickboxing b.s. This is SERIOUS business. And you will learn to box even if you never actually face someone in the ring. Classes are structured as follows: 45 minutes including - 3 rounds of jumprope - heavy bag & shadow boxing - weights/strength training - speed bag (my bitch) - jumprope cool down When I'm done, there is not a dry spot on my tee-shirt. This workout is not for the faint of heart. It's intense and fantastic. Angelo & Cary are the husband and wife owners who have a chain of boxing gyms, are super cool but serious when it comes to boxing. Angelo leads the group classes (no more than 6 per class) and doesn't stop barking orders and corrections at you for 45 minutes, but I am mildly masochistic, so I love that stuff. And you certainly get your money's worth. So ultimately after my first month, I loved it so much, that I bought another 3 months of the camps at full price. No sense being cheap when you're getting your ass kicked. The monthly packages are reasonable for the workout & training you get. In fact, 2 out of 3 of my friends also purchased after their initial living social deal expired. It's that good. Overall, it's a great up-and-coming gym and I highly recommend! read more

Love this place. Great workouts! Great trainer! Cary rocks! Too many exclamations can't describe how I feel about this place. If you're in need of a workout that will get you your desired results, this place is it. Not only do you learn how to box, you get a workout that makes you really work. For all shapes and sizes, The Stables and most importantly Cary (sometimes with the help of her pup, Sasha) will help you get back into shape. I know I'm getting there. I've lost over 45 lbs in a little over 6 months. I now look forward to this workout. I highly recommend it. Oh and those negative reviews for this place shouldn't discourage you. If you're committed to getting in shape and learning how to box, go to The Stables. You won't regret it. read more

I've to been one other boxing gym and to compare, if you want to learn legit boxing techniques properly from the ground up, train with Cary. She has the fundamentals class for a reason and you learn everything from basic footwork to warming up with the jumprope to multiple combos. The classes are very small so its nearly a semi-private class. The only thing is that I can make the classes if my work is close by and I've moved jobs. The camp packages also a bit out of my budget for me. But I get that it's a very small class with a lot of attention on you. I gotta make it rain before I can throw down for more camp packages. read more

Hands down one of the best fundamental gyms in LA. If you are looking to throw punches incorrectly on the bag, this is not the place for you. If you are looking to get a badass workout while also fine tuning your skills this is where it's at. Ive been to a ton of boxing gyms on the Westside and hands down Cary's classes kick ass. She keeps her classes small in order to really focus on everyones technique. It is like getting a private trainer for an hour!!! If you are looking to sign up, JUST DO IT! You wont regret it. read more

I had never boxed before and was really excited about it. I loved that the classes were small, female based, and it was actually technical boxing, not just cardio. I didn't love that the instructor was a little condescending and wrote me off right away. I got the classes through groupon. Originally I was thinking about signing up for more classes. I am not sure if it's because I got discounted classes or what, but I started to notice the instructor kind of wrote me off as someone who wouldn't be buying more classes and started to treat me differently. She made me feel cheap and when I'd ask questions because I am not the fastest at picking things up, she wasn't the nicest about it. When I asked her what the last move was, she wouldn't repeat what it was. I really loved everything about it until the instructor started to treat me like I wasn't good enough to be there. read more

I have been boxing with Cary for over 2 years now. Cary is a fantastic trainer. The workouts are a challenge (brutal sometimes - ask around about "Hell Week"), but she also keeps them fun. She's a stickler for good form and technique, and works with us constantly on perfecting both. Before coming here, I never knew how much went into throwing a punch. Just swing your fist at your opponent's face? Not here you don't. Throwing a good punch is actually a full body workout in itself. I never fail to leave the Stables fully drenched in sweat. If the shadow boxing or heavy bag work doesn't get me, the conditioning drills will do it (think push-ups, jump rope, burpees, squats, lunges, etc.). I recently trained for a long-distance high-altitude run (running is my first love). Cary went out of her way and assisted me with the strength/cross-training portion of my training plan. (Thanks, Cary!) She didn't have to, it's just the kind of person she is - truly committed to helping everyone succeed in their fitness goals. I look forward every week to training with Cary and being at the Stables. It's a really great thing to be a part of. :) read more

I trained with Cary for ~9 months, and I'm so glad that I chose The Stables to learn boxing. Cary is the owner and trainer, class sizes are small (avg 5-8 people), and you actually learn boxing while getting a great workout! As a beginner, boxing was intimidating - it involves some prep, such as knowing how to wrap your hands properly and knowing basic form when throwing punches. Don't fret! Cary has prepared for this, and has all beginners start out with a separate fundamentals class where she walks you through the basics: hand wraps, gloves, jump rope, basic punches, boxing stance, how to move your feet, how to move around the bag, and speed bag. After the fundamentals, classes are for all levels - Cary tailors the class based on who shows up. Each class is 45 minutes and usually involves some combination of jump rope, combo drills on the floor and on the heavy bag, circuit training, and speed bag. For those of us who get easily bored with workouts, classes here are always different and always go by fast (mostly because you are so focused on throwing the right combos). Cary also takes the time to correct your form to help you avoid injury and get a more effective workout. As other reviewers have mentioned, this workout is intense - when your form is correct (and Cary WILL make sure it is correct), you will be sweating after your first few punches. As Cary says, you can't get the physique without the technique! The best part about The Stables is Cary herself and the atmosphere at her gym - everyone is supportive, everyone is welcome, and you always feel like you are learning something new and improving with each class. Thank you Cary! read more

If you're looking for a place that teaches actual boxing skills, this is your spot. Cary works with her students to focus on form and the actual flow of a real boxing punch. She's incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly has a passion for her craft. In regards to the studio, it's on the smaller size which allows Cary to focus on each student. The small class size almost makes you feel like you're getting personal training without the price tag! If you're looking for a big studio with multiple workout stations and 25+ people per class this isn't for you. However if you're genuinely interested in learning the skill set, give Cary a try! read more

I was a complete scrub when I started here a few months ago. Have no fighting experience whatsoever and I'm a pretty chill dude to be honest, but I've wanted to pick up boxing for quite a while. Real boxing, not like cardio kickboxing or something. Looked around and got a better vibe from reviews than what I picked up from other places and reaching out to those places. Almost perished from the first workout, but I knew pretty quickly that this is the place for me. Cary is an excellent instructor and her focus on technique and boxing fundamentals is exactly what I was looking for, not some random cardio only type boxing stuff. Everyone is super nice but there's a workmanlike positive energy to the place where everybody is trying to get better. All types of people come in; there's something for everybody! Each class is intense and I've learned a ton in the short time I've been there. I'm still a scrub, albeit not a complete one, but I have such confidence in Cary's training I'm aiming to get into a real boxing match eventually. It's an inspiring place to be, a great workout, and a terrific place to learn how to box. read more

I went to 3 different places before I found The Stables. I was looking for a place where I could feel comfortable and have a great workout as I was learning the correct boxing skills. I love Cary and the ambience. I've been going for about 4-5 months and I've never felt better with my body! read more

My husband and I have trained with Cary on-again, off-again for the past two years. (We're both in and out of town a lot for work, otherwise we'd be there full-time.) Every class is different...and an absolutely FANTASTIC workout that will leave you wringing out your t-shirt. But aside from the physical workout, it's a real mental workout as well. When I'm in class regularly, I feel so mentally strong...so powerful and so capable of doing anything. Cary is an incredible teacher, and I am so grateful to her for challenging me on every level. read more

I went to 4 gyms before landing here. It's what I was looking for. Very technical instruction. I have an extensive martial arts background so I enjoy the analytical breakdown of stance, posture, and footwork interests me. Fundamentals are very important to me. She constantly helps us improve our punching power. Reminds me to keep my hands up amidst the chaos of punching, keep heels up. I throughly enjoy the traditional boxing warm-ups/cool downs: jump rope, and speed bag. Additionally, smaller community enables more hands on training, 5 stars. read more

Cary is the absolute BEST at what she does! You can tell this is her passion and not just a job for her. Cary takes the time to correct your form and make sure you're doing everything correctly. It's easy for trainers to let you slide on a punch you throw but she's not one of those trainers. You will definitely get the best workout with Cary at The Stables. read more

Best classes I've ever taken and I've taken most of them in the SM/WLA area. I am LEARNING to box and I am getting a GREAT workout! Cary is a real boxing coach. She doesn't just "babysit a workout." She actually teaches you to box and prescribes a workout that helps you to be a better boxer. Love it! read more

WOW! Can I just say what an amazing experience! I have never really tried boxing before. I'm a Personal Trainer, Tri-Athelte, 1/2 Marathoner, and Bikini Competitor. I've done a little MMA and shadow boxing but never took an actual class. Cary was great at explaining in detail the movements and names attached to each specific move we did. It was definitely a lot harder than I expected. She wore me out in 10 minutes and I'm an athlete! I felt so connected with her and so comfortable that it made my first experience that much more enjoyable. I also love how she is so invested in non-profit organizations. Her heart for teaching and helping others goes way beyond her boxing studio and her classes. I highly recommend Cary and The Stables. You will learn so much, feel more confident, get stronger, and you'll have the honor of being around an amazing, strong, inspirational woman! I can't wait to go back!!! P.S. Hitting the bags felt sooooooo good :)!!! lol Thank you Cary!!!!! xoxo read more

Cary Williams changed my life. She is hands down the most knowledgable, attentive and skilled trainer I've ever worked with. I bought a Groupon on a whim, never thinking I would actually stick with it. That was December 2013 and since then I have been consistently going 3 times a week. I am not a naturally athletic person so the fact I have been working out this long is a true testament to Cary's ability to motivate and challenge a person like me. I'm telling you, I was out of shape, slumpy and puffy. The first session I couldn't jump rope more than 4 jumps without huffing and puffing and wanting to puke. But I stuck with it and I am so glad I did. I am physically doing things I never thought in a million years I could do and fitting into clothes I thought I would never be able to wear!!! The Stables is a real deal boxing gym. This is NOT a LA fitness kickboxing class. No sir. At The Stables, you will be challenged physically and mentally - like beyond belief. If you stick with it, you will see results. Boxing is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but the feeling of accomplishment I get after each session is the best high in the world. I seriously can not get enough of it! Oh and have I mentioned that Cary is a friggen awesome person!? She's so cool and beautiful and she inspires me so much. I look forward to every session knowing I can count on her. I am in the best shape of my life and that's all because of Cary Williams and The Stables!!! Thank you Cary!!!!! read more

While I liked the classes here I hated the availability and schedule of classes. You had to email or call every time you wanted to go to class. Oftentimes, the classes were not available. I wanted a basic class on Saturday mornings and most of the classes are early weekdays, which conflicted with work. And Saturdays only had their fundamentals class, which was only an intro class and not really a workout. I had a voucher and was honestly kind of pissed, and not able to take full advantage of the voucher. Usually more vouchers have more availability so I feel like it was wasted money. Great classes. Limited availability. read more

This is not jazzersize. This is not kickboxing at 24 Hour Fitness. This is Boxing, with a capital B. Come ready to get a totally ass kicking workout. You'll feel firece afterwards and will look amazing. Want 6 pack abs, but hate sit ups - The Stables got you covered. The instructor is incredible - he is so motivating and funny and super knowledgable. read more

I've been working with Cary for over 4 years and it has changed me both physically and mentally for the better! She is truly inspirational! When I first started, I thought I knew what I was doing because I had taken "boxing" classes many times before at what I thought were real boxing studios. Turns out, I had a LOT to learn, lol. Cary teaches proper technique and trains you like real boxers train. This is not "kickboxing" or "cardio boxing." This is real BOXING. It's a great workout, complete with jump rope, shadow boxing, weights, conditioning drills, bag work, and my absolute favorite - the speed bag. I could go on forever but there's a character limit lol. Check out her class!!! read more

Love this gym! Cary is a skilled coach. The workouts will kick your butt, teach you the correct way to do things and are a ton of fun. A good mix of strength training and boxing with small class sizes for attention to detail. read more

Absolutely love The Stables. My friend bought me a few classes off of Groupon and after my sessions were up I decided to become a member. Cary is an amazing trainer, she has a lot of experience and changes things up to keep the class fun and challenging. I'll continue to go there as long as she's there to train. Thank you Cary! read more

5 + At The Stables you will get a professional kick your ass into shape boxing training session. I feel more confident, strong and learn something every time I go. Cary cares about her clients and creates a strong supportive community in the gym. I started September 2015 with a Groupon. My only regret is not buying the one with more sessions on it. I read all the details on the Groupon BEFORE buying and looked at the gym schedule BEFORE buying it. That's our responsibility to know what we are getting when we purchase a Groupon. I even did a trial commute to make sure I could get there on the hours available BEFORE I got the Groupon deal. I was intending to just use the Groupon and move on to the next fitness Groupon I found but I signed on for the membership because I was impressed with the workout and the attention to the clients. The Stables is a professional boxing gym and you will get a training session for a boxer. AS SUCH, you are expected to work, show up on time and be responsible to the community by the energy/attitude you bring. read more

Cary Williams provides a full 360 boxing experience enriched in deep technique and expertise she gained as a professional fighter. She gives her students a comfortable, no pressure environment in which she challenges their physical ability raising the bar to excel in the sport. Having several other boxing instructors in the past you learn the difference between an average teacher and a superior one is having the ability to instruct, demonstrate and provide expertise in which everything she provides during the 45 minute class. Classes are high intensity, ass kicking workouts and by the time your finished you feel like you accomplished a lot before it's even 9 am. I would recommend Primetime to anyone who is looking for an incredible workout outside of a normal gym. read more

After 12 years of a very esoteric martial arts wherein there was a myriad of forms, I wanted to try something different and went to Cary at The Stables. I had learned very basics of boxing, but boxing technique wasn't our focus. Cary understands you need to know the fundamentals and basics before you just start plowing at a bag. She teaches proper technique, and that mind/body coordination in foot and hand work, either come easy for many, or for others, they need to practice and study more until it feels natural. Cary is wonderful, friendly and welcoming. I want to work out my schedule so I can train with Cary. read more

Just took the beginner's class and I'm looking forward to the next class for sure. The detailed instruction and on the spot correction makes me appreciate the sport more than ever. No BS-ing here. I know I'm learning boxing the right way. Watching the Wilder fight tonight I'll be checking the footwork learned today. Great class! read more

A really great workout. Guaranteed to make you sweat.

So happy to find The Stables! Found through Groupon, love the size of the place. Get your a$$ kicked by Cary and see your body transformed in just a short time. Highly recommend. Inviting friends for sure. read more

I've been searching high and low for a boxing class when I came across a groupon for The Stables. With two weddings to get in shape for I figured I couldn't go wrong with a little boxing in my life and boy am I happy I made this choice! Cary and Angelo are an awesome duo and definitely make it easier to come in ready to kick some booty at 6 in the morning! After the first day I was sore in all the right places! I feel stronger, happier, and healthier and it's only been 2 weeks =) If you are ready to get your butt in shape head over the The Stables...they'll do the trick =) read more

First let me explain my background a little. I'm coming from 15 years experience in martial arts, taekwondo and thai boxing. As black belt martial artist and former competitor in martial arts there is nothing I hate more than watered down martial arts training. The Stables and Cary Williams is the real deal! You will learn the science of boxing and you will get an awesome workout at the same time. This is not cardio boxing , this is much more than that. Cary is a master of her craft and even for a self proclaimed know it all like myself I learned I didn't know that much ha. Great workout , great experience and very empowering what you learn. read more

I tried this gym on splurge from groupon and to help get me in shape. Carey is a very energetic and funny lady. You can tell she really enjoys what she does and is full of knowledge. Although I only went for the introduction class, she was very kind enough to give us information on healthy meals to help with our fitness goals. Will definitely be back!! She also sales merchandise on what you need to have. Same price as everywhere else, do no need in feeling like you're being overpriced or cheated. read more

If you want to train as though you might actually compete one day but learn correct form to avoid harming yourself, this is the place. If you want a workout that's challenging but fun, this is also the place for that. If you're going to complain or half- it, this is not the place. Cary is upbeat and encouraging but don't let that fool you into thinking she's soft or doesn't know her stuff. She loves the sport of boxing, knows it well, and clearly takes pride in it. If you respect the sport and you're eager to learn, you'll get a lot more out of this than just a great workout. read more

If you want to learn the correct stance and how to properly throw punches, the stables is the place to go! The clases are intimate so Cary is able to focus on you individually. I've been attending for almost 3 years and I have to say my left hook is pretty damn good thanks to her. You definitely work every inch of your body and every class I come out pouring. If you love boxing or just want to try a new workout, contact Cary. She was a professional boxer so she will definitely keep you in shape and no short cuts allowed. Many of the people attending the stables, including myself, can say that you definitely see a transformation in your body in a short period of time. Cary, thank you for making me not only physically stronger but also mentally; I have more confidence walking alone at night bc I do feel I have been given tools to be able to defend myself. read more