Last weekend I finally dragged myself down to East Side Boxing to check out what they actually teach. See, I kept hearing about different classes but nobody really breaks it down. So here’s what went down when I tried their sessions for real.
Signing Up Was Weirdly Complicated
Walked in expecting a simple sign-up sheet. Nope! Had to download this app and scroll through 15 different class names. Kept thinking “What’s ‘Fight Fit’ vs ‘Bag Burner’ anyway?” Almost left when they asked for my credit card just to book a trial.
First Class: They Called It “Foundation”
Thought this would be beginner stuff. Coach Dave made us do:
- 15 minutes straight of skipping rope (tripped like 20 times)
- Shadow boxing with mirrors everywhere (felt super awkward)
- Basic jab-cross combos on air
My arms were jelly by the end. Turned out it’s actually their conditioning class disguised as fundamentals. Sneaky!
Second Attempt: “Box & Burn”
Now THIS felt like real boxing. We paired up with gloves:
- Partner held mitts while I threw 3-punch combos
- Speed drills where we switched every 30 seconds
- Burpees between rounds (why?!)
Sweat was dripping off my nose by round two. Trainer kept shouting “Rotate those hips!” like a broken record.
The Hype Class: “Champion Circuit”
Got peer-pressured into this one. Total chaos:
- Heavy bag stations with timer beeps every minute
- Medicine ball slams in the corner
- This weird plyo box jump thing that made my knees crack
Felt more like CrossFit wearing boxing gloves. Couldn’t lift my arms next day.
What They Don’t Tell You
After taking all three classes I realized:
- “Foundation” is just cardio with punch names
- “Box & Burn” is where actual boxing happens
- “Champion Circuit” is for masochists who enjoy torture
Zero actual sparring in any class. All “partner work” meant hitting pads, not each other. Kinda disappointing if you wanna learn real defense.
The Awkward Locker Room Moment
Tried to shower after the circuit class. Some dude started giving unsolicited advice about my footwork while we’re both naked. Apparently that’s normal there? Weird flex but okay.
My Final Takeaway
If you want a brutal workout where you punch things? Solid. If you wanna actually learn boxing techniques? Only one out of three classes delivers. Still sweaty, still confused why they make up fancy names for “hit stuff until tired”.
