I have never boxed before coming here so I can't accurately comment on how this place ranks against other boxing gyms. I needed to get in shape and this place definitely did that for me. The classes are intense and if you can commit to attending them regularly, you WILL lose weight and get in shape.
My issue is that I wanted to learn how to actually box, spar, all that good stuff. The classes are more about working out and breaking a sweat then actually teaching you how to box. Your first class you will receive a lot of attention and learn the basics, but from there on out the only instruction you receive is in the form of correction when you are shadow boxing which is a slow way to learn in my opinion, because you typically receive only one comment or correction per class.
Again, I am new to boxing so I don't know if this common practice in boxing gyms or not. The classes are already $120 a month, you need to pay an extra $60 per one-on-one which I guess is necessary if you actually want to learn how to box, but it seems pretty steep for non affluent members.
I started to get frustrated because it felt like even though I was getting fit, I was not progressing in my boxing skills and instructors would be surprised to find out after a couple months that I did not know how to properly block or slip punches. As a newbie you don't know what you should be learning or all the lingo, you just trust the program. I still don't even know how to properly wrap my hands, but I guess that's on me because google and youtube exist. Still, I don't see why they can't have one class a day aimed solely at boxing techniques and not working out. You can't even spar until you are approved by an instructor, again I'm no professional but I feel like sparring is one of the best ways to learn the techniques. I'm not trying to have a balls to the wall punch out, I just want to get a feel for how the techniques are applied and how the sport is actually played. How can I learn to love this sport when I'm barred from the simplest form of participating in it? Maybe I'm expecting too much, I don't know.
Another big complaint I have is lack of correction in form when exercising. Other gym instructors at other establishments often ask the class if anyone has any injuries so that they can provide alternate exercises if need be. So many of the classes I've been to the instructor just keeps making you do burpees and won't offer an alternate exercise even if you clearly are losing form or can't keep up. I feel like the attitude here is an unrelenting "no pain no gain" mantra which can be good but often is just neglecting the potential for injury which I find to be kind of irresponsible, good thing they have you sign a waiver. One time a teacher literally said "We're doing squats and if you can't keep up you can sit down", like bro I'm paying $120 to be here, I'm not sitting down.
Overall, I have lost weight and gotten into better shape attending the classes here so there are no complaints on that front. Boxing training will definitely get you in shape if you are committed. If your goal is to learn how to actually box though, you may want to try out a different martial art or go somewhere else, or maybe just invest in the one-on-ones but not a monthly membership. Either that or you need to take your education into your own hands and watch youtube videos outside of class and be proactive about what you feel you need to improve on, I personally don't feel like it's that much to ask for more instruction but again I don't know how boxing gyms normally operate so I won't take off points for that.
P.S. If I was being honest I would rate this place lower but I hate yelp and don't believe in screwing over small businesses. This is more just an airing of grievances which hopefully might get addressed. read more
