Ever wondered what it’s like to join a group boxing class? We’ve got you covered. This is how our first time went.
If you’ve ever been to a boxing gym before, you know that you get to work directly with a coach who will guide you through an entire session. But in a group setting, we weren’t sure how it would work, given that around 15 to 20 people were all joining the same class.
But even in a different setting, we found that group boxing classes utilized the same fundamentals of the sport, just spread out and taught in a unique way to cater to all the students at the same time, from beginners to advanced athletes.
We’re here to talk you through the different portions of the group class we attended so you can find out if this is the right workout class for you.
Shadowboxing
Given that we were in a group boxing class, with around 15 to 20 students in the class, the instructor would demonstrate the moves and combos in the middle of the group, and the students could follow at their own pace.
First, the instructor familiarized us with the different boxing moves first — jabs, straights, hooks, and uppercuts. Once everyone more or less got the hang of things, she then spent the first few rounds of the class demonstrating and teaching us combos (like a jab-straight combo) which we had to execute shadowboxing.
For those of you who might not know, shadowboxing refers to sparring with an imaginary opponent without a bag, just the air in front of you.
We had the option to pick up some light weights or dumbbells to hold while shadowboxing to add resistance, and throughout the span of two to three rounds, the instructor demonstrated combos for us to execute on our own. She gave us a few minutes to settle into each combo.
With mirrors on every wall of the room, no matter where you were standing, you could definitely see yourself. So during these few rounds, students had the space to get used to all the moves, check to see if they were doing them correctly, and move at their own speed, depending on their level of experience.
Hitting the bag
After a few rounds of shadowboxing, the instructor told us to put on our gloves and get close to our designated punching bags.
Given that the instructor had already primed us with different combinations in the first few rounds, we were now about to execute the same combos with the bag this time over another few rounds.
This was the exciting bit. Of course, punches feel a lot better when your hands have an actual landing point, and once you start hitting the bag with those combos, you’ll be happy you started with shadowboxing.
Boxing combos can be tricky. Executing a jab-straight-hook-straight isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially when you try to do it at speed. This is why easing into these mind-twisting combos without the bag first will make it easier when you do hit the bag.
So throughout the next few rounds, the instructor gave us different combos to try out on the bag, again, at our own pace. This is where your heart rate really starts to rocket, especially once you start getting into the rhythm of things.
Strength work
The group boxing class we attended wasn’t pure boxing throughout the entire 60 minutes.
After several rounds of punching the bag, the instructor told us to grab some heavier weights — we had the option to go anywhere between three to 20 pounds — and a yoga mat to work on some strength moves.
Before starting, the instructor demonstrated all the moves we had to do, which included some weighted squats, push-ups, shoulder presses, sit-ups, and other moves that engaged the entire body. Once we knew all the moves, she instructed us to do eight reps per move and complete as many rounds as we could within the span of three to six minutes, following our own pace.
Once time was up on the strength work, we put the gloves back on for another few rounds with the bag.
Would we recommend it?
Overall, we had a really good time trying out a group boxing class for the first time, but it was very different from a standard boxing session.
When you attend a session at a boxing gym, typically, you’ll get a coach who will work with you one-on-one. With this, your coach will give you undivided attention to help you get the right form and coach you through different combos.
However, in a group boxing class, you don’t necessarily get the same level of attention, which beginners might find challenging. The instructor would go around to help the students find their groove, but, of course, it’s still not the same as having someone who is focused on you.
But, the great thing about this boxing class is that we got to take everything at our own speed. With this, students were able to move at their own pace, depending on their level of experience.
Personally, we found that this was one of the best parts of the class. Even in a group setting, once we got ourselves in the zone, it actually felt like we were just on our own, doing our own thing. But at the same time, we were able to feed off of the energy of the other students around us, which provided extra motivation to push ourselves.
Ultimately, even without pure one-on-one guidance, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete, the class structure has a steady buildup that helps the students prep for the more challenging parts of the workout, making it accessible for beginners and advanced athletes.
Throughout the whole class, it’s still you who determines your workout, even with a group around you doing the same thing.
Plus, one thing is for sure: you’re going to burn a lot of calories.
Where can I try a group boxing class?
If you’re interested in trying out a group boxing class sometime soon, here are a few places around the Metro where you can go:
- Flyweight Boxing – Level 2, Eight Forbestown Road, Bonifacio Global City
- UltraBoxx Boxing Club – Level 3, East Wing, Estancia at Capitol Commons
- Electric Boxing – Level 4, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center
Of course, every group boxing studio will have different methods, structures, and practices. But, you should definitely try out different styles of boxing classes with an open mind, and you might discover your new favorite way and place to work out!
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