Boxing is the hottest way to whip your butt into shape, here are the best classes out there...
Boxing is definitely having a ‘moment’. Of course there’s the allure of channelling Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby and having a legitimate excuse for rocking a boxer braid, but it’s also a darn good way of getting fit (mentally and physically), too, as it turns out.
“Boxing has gained huge popularity in the last couple years. As society moves away from focusing purely on ‘how to get skinny’ women are able to explore different forms of exercise that maybe didn't seem so accessible to us beforehand,” says Miranda Hart, trainer at boutique boxing studio KOBOX. “Nowadays it's not just about how we look but how we feel. There's no doubt boxing is fantastic for your body but on top of all the physical benefits you find a sense of confidence that wasn't there before and most people walk away from their workout feeling like a badass ready to take on anything.” In an ever-pressurised world, there’s also a certain appeal in smashing stress where the sun don’t shine…
“Londoners tend to live a super high-stress life so having a workout where you can literally take it out on the bag is a perfect way to de-stress especially if yoga is not your thing,” says Joan Murphy, fitness instructor and Co-Founder of FRAME. “I think the rise in popularity may also be down to Anthony Joshua (swoon) and other high profile boxers taking it more mainstream. Either way it’s definitely one of the more popular classes for us at the moment!”
And in terms of knocking your booty into shape? “Boxing is great for total body strength and power as it uses the body from head to foot without bulking you up. It also torches calories, burns fat and truly integrates the mind as it requires strong mind-muscle connection to achieve coordination, precision and timing,” says Virgin Active Head of Product & Innovation, Andy Birch.
“Additionally, many gym moves are what we term sagittal plane dominant (or forward and backward in a single plane based) e.g. squats, lunges, chest presses etc, whereas with boxing the main force should come from rotation (from the foot and hip especially) and strengthening the body through rotational training is also brilliant for preventing any injuries in the outside world which are often caused from twisting movements, for example: gardening, picking up shopping or kids! Focusing on strengthening the body’s ability to twist also builds and strengthens the core which is invaluable for achieving that unobtainable six pack,” adds Andy.
Kapow your way to the best classes out there...
Box Clever Sports is the underground boxing gym that packs a punch. Situated in Ladbroke Grove, this gym is not for the faint of heart. A moderate level of fitness is required to make it through one of their gruelling workouts but the results are worth it - if your fitness is not where you would like it to be, rest assured you will be whipped into shape very quickly. Box Clever Sports' point of difference is that it is more than a gym; it is a family community of likeminded fitness fanatics (without the egos) who love to box, keep fit and be a part of a community.
The HIIT Class at Another Space
Combining strength exercises with high-energy punchbag work, this class is designed to ‘fire your metabolism to burn extra calories for hours’. Created to challenge your body and mind on an intense level, they alternate fast and powerful compound exercises with kickboxing, including a series of jabs, crosses and upper cuts. Most classes are 45 minutes, but there are 60 minute sessions with a section dedicated to boxing technique so that you can ensure correct form during the fast pace nature of the class.
A 50-minute full body workout designed to strengthen the core, improve speed and build power all set to thumping music and visual programming guidance on large screens to make it super easy to follow. The class begins with a warm-up followed by 12 rounds of combinations on the six foot bags combined with interval body boxing conditioning drills. You’re expected to burn up to 800 calories per class.
Sweatbox by BXR Boxing Skills Studio at BXR London
With classes designed and taught by leading boxing professionals, we love this chic ‘pay-to-train’ boutique fitness concept. The latest ‘Sweatbox’ class is a high-octane, two-part workout consisting of four rounds (two boxing and two floor work) to combine elements of boxing with strength and conditioning training to teach and hone boxing skills whilst improving mobility and endurance.
We were sold at their ‘where Fight Club meets nightclub’ strapline, and so clearly are its fans which include Jourdan Dunn and Ashley Roberts. Touted as ‘boxing; just not as you know it’, the 50 minute, high intensity classes tackle all the fundamentals by teaching boxing by numbers. (That’s six punches and six numbers and these numbers are then arranged to form a series of boxing combinations displayed in HD on the studio wall.) Simples.
Dubbed ‘a cardio boxing battle that’s no holds barred’ this 45-minute, high energy class HIITs hard. Whilst perfecting your jabs, crosses and punching combos, you’ll be burning calories whilst building up strength and stamina in the immersive space that’s filled with sound and energy. Rebels of all abilities welcome.
