Boxing for women: what the first month looks like

Two things stop most women from walking into a boxing gym: being the only woman in the room, and having to fight someone. Neither happens here.

The women’s group is separate

It trains Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM — its own group, its own hour, coached by Robert. You will not be the only woman in a room full of men.

You will not have to fight anyone

Not the first time, and not later unless you decide you want to. The training is technique, cardio and bag work. Boxing as a skill and as conditioning, without the part people are afraid of.

Week by week

• Week one. Stance, guard, how to stand and how to move. Everything feels awkward. It is supposed to.
• Week two. The straight punches, and the first rounds on the bag. This is where the conditioning starts to bite.
• Week three. Combinations and pad work with the coach. The first time it feels like boxing rather than exercise.
• Week four. Longer rounds, better breathing. Most people notice the change here — not in the mirror, in how they carry themselves.

About being out of shape

People come here at forty and out of shape, and nobody blinks. Robert sets the load for the person in front of him. Getting tired quickly is not a reason to wait until you are “ready” — it is the reason to start.

Coming in

The first group class is free. Bring sportswear, clean indoor shoes, water and a towel — gloves are in the gym. After that, twice a week is $180 a month.