I’m a little concerned about my ability to type this post.

I’ve just returned from a class at Title Boxing with my friend, Seema. She’s been beating the crap out of bags a member at this gym for several years. I’ve heard her rave about the classes and how much she likes them so I decided this would be a perfect “new to me” class for my 2018 goal.

What was the class like?

To summarize: My upper body is SHOT.

Boxing is a fantastic – incredible! – workout. Not only does your heart rate spike, but you are also strengthening your arm, back, and core muscles. And who doesn’t like an opportunity to punch something?

We arrived 20 minutes early so I could sign the waiver and get set up. The staff was very helpful, asking questions like if I’d boxed before.

That seemingly easy question was difficult to answer. Technically, yes, I boxed before. However, it was over 15 years ago when I had less wrinkles, more youthfulness, and no children. I figure if the last time I attended a boxing class was at the YMCA before children, this counted as “new.”

It turns out it was kind of like riding a bike. A little wobbly at first, but then my muscle memory kicked in and I was more or less back in the swing of things. (Sorry, that’s a terrible pun.)

What to expect

Arriving early is imperative for first-timers. Once you fill out the waiver, you’ll need to get your hands wrapped. Seema brought wraps and gloves for me, an incredible gesture considering how much I sweat. The staff at Title helped me wrap my hands and wrists. There’s a specific way to do this but I just let him do the work.

Once your hands are wrapped, on go the gloves. You’ll want these to protect your hands when you make contact with the bag.

Class began with a 15-minute warm up. This included air-punching and loosened up the muscles we’d be using as well as began elevating our heart. (Always important in any workout!) 

After the warm-up, we began 3-minute high-intensity rounds. The instructor verbally and physically demonstrated the moves, which we mimicked. I appreciated how he walked around to all the participants, encouraging them or gently correcting form. He even put on sparring gloves to give us a different target.

Each 3-minute round had a 1-minute active recovery with lunges, squats, etc. I chose my active recovery to include face-wiping with my sweat towel and navigating drinking from a water bottle with big gloves on my hand.

How many rounds, you ask? 8. Eight doesn’t seem like much as I sit here in the comfort of my desk, but trust me when I tell you it’s a lot.

By round 6 or 7, I was spent. Shoulders, lats, and heart – all toast in the best possible way. I wish I’d had a heart rate monitor to confirm my suspicion that it hasn’t gotten that high in a long time.

We finished with 15 minutes of core/ab work and stretching.

Added benefit

The other advantage of boxing? The ability to jab, hook, and uppercut out your frustrations without looking like a maniac. Well, maybe you will a little, but it’s a safe environment to do so.

If you’ve got something weighing on you, give one of these classes a shot. All exercise raises endorphin levels, but boxing has a special way of helping the crazy. Nothing takes your wrath better than a large sandbag hanging from a ceiling.

Know before you go

• As with any new class, arrive early. You’ll get the full rundown and have the full attention of the instructor, who can show you basic movements.
• Check out the website of your facility to see if you need to provide your own wraps and/or gloves. You’ll want both to help stabilize your wrists.
• Keep a water bottle and sweat towel nearby. You’ll need it.
• Bring a towel or yoga mat for floor core work if you don’t want your sweaty back on the floor.
• Wear whatever is comfortable. I donned my Skirt Sports Lioness skirt, because nothing is cooler than a girl in a skirt kicking booty. At least that’s what I’d like to think I looked like. (Don’t forget to use my code 166Conn for 15% off full price items and remember, I don’t sell it but I want you to buy it.)
• Title Boxing is a nationwide chain. If you plan on attending one of their locations, check out the class descriptions. Classes are structured differently and you want to get in the one that’s best for you.

I really enjoyed this class. While time prohibits me from adding it to my regular schedule, I’ll definitely be attending again.