LA Boxing

This place is NOT worth your time. They have been promising me a membership refund since September. Despite a doctors note and many emails they still have failed to. give me my money back. All they care about is getting money. The manager there is very rude and does not follow through. Since I live down the street you would think they would want to keep neighbors happy. I have told everyone to never join this gym. Extremely expensive but the rudeness is what I think is the worst. There are so many options out there you would think they would want to keep customers happy. Spend your money elsewhere.

Just don’t go here. I could go on and on about their horrible customer service, their fleecing of customers and their not great workout routine but I’ve got other things to do. Like fighting with their customer service.

AWESOME workout! I’ve been going to kickboxing off and on now for about 10 years. This class by far has been the hardest. I went on a Groupon probably two years ago and its always been in the back of my mind to go back. I’m really glad i did. I’ve been back about two months now and love it. If you want a challenge and fun at the same time GO. All the teachers I’ve taken are great Justin, Vance and Jimmy.

I went to one CrossFit class back in November, and it was my first experience going to this type of intense workout-​type gym. I’ve always been an athlete and worked out with weights, but obviously this type of hour-​long intense workout is a different animal, altogether. Well, the CrossFit gym didn’t hold my attention too much because it was just a station-​to-​station type of experience: squat here, lift there, jump on that box over there, etc. I just was looking for something «different.» So, the idea of doing a boxing workout seemed to be a good idea of breaking up the monotony of just the intense workout with nothing more.
I joined this L.A. Boxing gym in January and have been going three times per week on average ever since. I’ve lost about 10 pounds and my BMI has dropped from 18% to around 15% so far. It’s a hell of a workout, but I couldn’t be happier with the results. My shoulders, abs, and waistline have never been better. You get what you put into it, so the results may not be similar for everyone. But, if you make it part of your routine, there’s a good chance you’ll see the work pay off within a few weeks!

I went to their open house when they first opened. It completely turned me off. They were unfriendly and almost hostile. No one welcomed me, I floundered around for a bit being glared at. Perhaps it is because I am not 20. or 30 or 40 or even 50. I would have loved to have spoken with someone but it was not to be.

I have now been a member for about 3 months. This is not a gym… its a place for boxing. So, no showers, locker rooms, multiple machines, etc. However, it is a great place to get a unique workout, get challenged, and learn some moves. My personal fave classes are Justin’s and Carlo’s. As others have mentioned, Jason is really awesome as is the gal at the front desk often (I need to ask her for her name).
Remember to stretch before and after and arrive early. Takes time to get your hand wraps on and you want to try to get a good spot on the floor. Also need time to stretch b/​c the instructors do not lead or end with it.
If you decide to sign up get ready to pay 1^st and last months plus the initial sign up fee. Also they are pretty persistent about calling and emailing you once you take the free class.
Pros:
Monthly payment gives you unlimited classes
You don’t need to sign up for classes in advance
Easy parking in area
Incorporates core stuff (planks, sit ups, etc. that you may not do on your own if you are like me)
Motivating instructors
In and out — do your class and keep it moving — not a place to chat it up or somewhere to start making friends — I personally like to just work out and not make small talk
No one in the class seems judgey (from my experience at least)
Cons
You will likely still need a real gym membership to change it up and have access to treadmills, etc.
It’s a little cramped at times
Only 1 male and 1 female bathroom (i saw one small shower area never used it though)
Expensive — wish there was an option to buy packs of classes instead of ONLY monthly commitment
Sign up fee, etc. very high (unless you sign up during a special deal)

I gave LA Boxing a visit on a Wednesday evening after it was recommended by a couple of co-​workers. It is a fairly bare-​bones gym. The humidity hits you as soon as you walk inside. There are a bunch of heavy bags and a boxing ring, and that’s about it. There is a bathroom, but it’s a 1 person bathroom and there are no showers or lockers.
Before coming here you should know beforehand that the classes use handwraps and boxing gloves. You can borrow gloves the first time you go, but you do need to bring (or buy from the gym) handwraps, which they’ll show you how to use if necessary.
The staff was great. I had taken boxing classes before and was somewhat familiar with the general workout but was visiting with a friend who hadn’t, and they were sure to check that we knew how to use handwraps and the etiquette to grab a heavy bag for the class. I took a boxing class with Justin. He was very friendly and gave out a few suggestions throughout class. It was a good workout. Lots of abs/​core work, alternating with hitting the bag — you’ll definitely work up a sweat. With that said, I think there are some limitations as a result of the gym and class structure. Due to the size of the class (fairly large) I felt like there wasn’t a whole lot of guidance or feedback being given as far as technique. Also, the lack of lockers/​showers makes it difficult for me to recommend this gym unless you live nearby, since you probably won’t want to be running around after this without showering.
You can sign up for a free class to see what it’s like. Boxing is a fun routine to add to your workout, and if you aren’t sure where to start then LA Boxing might be worth a try.

I have thoroughly enjoyed taking classes here the last 2 months. I go about 2 – 3 times a week. After the first class you feel like you are going to die at the end. However, at this point, I feel invigorated and energized by the end of class. I am a lot stronger and more toned since I started. If you want a punishing, competitive workout for an hour, I highly recommend this gym. No, it does not include the fluffy amenities. It’s about working out and sweating it out.
Jason, the manager is a very friendly and helpful guy. Carlos’ class is great. In addition he does personal training and has transformed the bodies of the people he works with. Damian’s class is great, especially if you really want to hit on the bag for most of the time. Master Sam’s kickboxing class is a lot of fun. Justin’s class is my favorite. It is non-​stop work. He will rip your abs apart. And you have to work extra hard in his class because you never know when he is going to come up behind you and call you out on your slacking or sloppy form. All instructors are helpful, positive, and professional. They will definitely push you.
Workouts are an hour long and generally consist of bag work and a combination of push-​ups, crunches, sit-​ups, burpees, squats, lunges, planks, flutter kicks, frog jumps, mountain climbers, etc. If you are a beginner, I highly recommend you ease into the classes. Take water breaks, stretch a little bit, do not feel you have to do every last exercise. The classes include warm-​ups, but some of the exercises can be jarring to the knees, shoulders, and other joints. If you have a previous injury or a bad this or that, then modify the exercise to work for you. Part of working out and getting strong is knowing your body and being aware of your limitations. This is YOUR responsibility. Not the instructors. If it gets too easy, then by all means make the exercises harder or go to two classes in a row.
Before you join, make sure you want to commit. And be clear on your membership terms. The normal membership is a year long, which allows you to go to an unlimited number of classes and use the treadmills and weights at your leisure. The LA Boxing Franchise is less flexible than yoga studios or other places where you can buy a package of classes or drop in. The Alexandria studio has plenty of parking in the area, which is great! I am thankful I found this place.

I’ve been taken kickboxing and boxing classes here for about 3 months now and I absolutely love the workout!
Thanks to Groupon, I was able to purchase 10 punch card classes at an absolute steal! The gym itself is fine: plenty of bags, there’s a boxing ring, weights, mats and machines. No showers or locker room. Just a changing room and one bathroom each. Parking is a breeze; there’s plenty of street parking and an underground garage. The staff and instructors are very friendly and will help you put on your hand wraps. I’ve never had a rude experience when I called or came to class. The instructors are fantastic! They take the time to walk you through the moves and motivate. They are all very approachable and will take the time to get to know you if you do the same. The best part is every time I come to class, regardless of instructor, my workout is different and I’m dying by the end!
Master Sam has an old-​school style that I really love and reminds me of training at a classic martial arts school. Justin is serious with a side of fun. He dances in class… what??? Damian is strictly boxing and very nice. If you really hate yourself and want your ass kicked, go see Marcus. I was able to attend his boxing class once, and I think we boxed maybe 5 minutes total. The rest was just borderline cruelty! It was one of the most difficult workouts I’ve ever had — I wanted to cry and throw up at the same time! My favorite instructor is Carlo because he’s high-​energy and nonstop. Class goes by quickly b/​c he keeps it interesting and he’ll do most of the workout with you. I like that because misery loves company. Currently, he’s only instructing on Sundays at this location (boooo). Plus, he’s very good about watching the time intervals.
There have been instances where an instructor left us doing either jumping jacks, planking, crunches, or mountain climbs for what felt like 3 minutes because he was checking his phone or chatting with other people. It can be a little annoying, but it’s not the end of the world.
Anyway, I was initially wary of purchasing a membership because it seems others have had nightmarish times canceling. But I was able to obtain a month-​to-​month membership at a great price. I have started attending classes way more often than I thought possible and I love it each time! I’m so sore most nights of the week, but I’m feeling great. If you want to mix up your workout and really challenge yourself, give it a try!
ALSO! Immediately after I joined, NEW MANAGEMENT came on board. So far it has not negatively affected me in any way, but I have a major gripe about the discountinued use of GYM WIPES! At times, the staff puts out cloth rags (if paper towels are no longer available, which is bad too) that everyone is supposed to share and use to wipe the mats and bags after usage. This is really gross b/​c the clothes get really nasty and dirty! I WILL NOT TOUCH THEM! Consider bringing your own mat.

I’ve been a proud member for well over a year. and have been frequenting this location… which I feel has a variety of classes… great instructors for all fitness levels
any and all of the classes are great workouts…
guaranteed to sweat…
– I love the class options. — lots of times on all days that fit your schedule…
Parking is great here too. even though located in Old Town…
there is a lots of free street parking depending on the time of day.
and a garage underneath (that services retail and residents) that is never full .
–there are mats for all of the push ups, bag crawls and sit ups that you WILL be doing…
it’s not just pure boxing… it’s a great cardio workout…
I’m a huge fan, great for a change of pace from your usual jog on the treadmill or elliptical.

I haven’t actually been here, so feel free to delete this review, but trust me there is reason I will NOT be going. I’ve been on a fitness kick and have been steadily losing weight. I decided to sign up for a free session, but have been kind of busy and hadn’t signed up yet. Like twice a day, I’ve gotten reminder emails… which is fine. This morning I got a TEXT message saying «Every day you wait, you add on the weight!»
What. The. Hell.
That is seriously the stupidest and most insulting thing I’ve ever heard from a gym. I don’t want to spend money at a place where people have this kind of attitude, so LA boxing is way off my list now.
So yeah, just a hint to LA Boxing: You’re going to get more people by being encouraging than by calling people fatties.

I attended this with a free session. They have solid trainers with great enthusiasm. They also have a nice gym with a very active schedule. People here actually care about your fitness and will work with you on a personal and professional level. Highly recommended!

I’m happy to say that I recently renewed my membership at the Alexandria location and I’m very pleased with all the professionalism of the instructors as well as the customer service provided by the front counter staff; you are always greeted with a welcoming smile and a friendly, «Hello.»
All the instructors are well versed in building your cardio, strength training, and boxing techniques. I enjoy participating in classes provided by Damian as well as Justin; both instructors are excellent and have well balanced programs. I also like that all instructor’s watch your form and provide correction; so you have a beneficial work out. Justin engages the class with a call and response routine, which keeps you alert and pumps up the your/​classes energy, his enthusiasm will definitely keep you motivated. You just have to be there.
Thank you LA Boxing Alexandria, if this were Facebook; I would definitely like you :).

A friendly gym for a serious workout. I’ve been a memeber since end of Janurary 2011 and so far I’m very happy =) The staff are very friendly, instructors motivate you. I feel very accomplished every time I finish a class.
If you are looking for some serious working out business — give it a try. The first class is always free. But be prepared to spend some time talkign to the staff afterward — of course they want you to sign up. So get some info, know your price and enjoy the sweat!

The hour long Bag workout classes burn 1000 calories. They offer a good number of classes throughout the day. Good for a change from just lifting weights.
I recommend the american kickboxing classes.
The memberships are kind of expensive. $ 80+ a month is on he higher end of a gym. You can get a membership to a really nice gym for this price.

Deceptive Billing Practices! I was told I was «taken care of,» yet I continued to be billed for another 3 months anyway. I had to dispute the charges through my credit card company. My card company agreed that the terms of the contract had been fulfilled on my end. I was reimbursed, and you know what LA Boxing’s response was, FINALLY? I started getting calls from a creditor. It took a complaint to the BBB to get the situation resolved. Also, these people don’t care about you if you’re a female. You can do better.

LA Boxing at the Alexandria location is a great place to go if you get bored lifting weights in a regular gym, get bored just running, don’t feel like learning martial art Katas and you just want a good stress relieving fat-​melting workout.
The best way I can think of describing it is kind of a cross between P90X and Tae Bo. If you don’t know what those are, google them. Typically this location offers a boxing workout, kick boxing workout, MMA workout, and Muay Thai instruction. You can also sign up for personal boxing instruction, which is an option as a personal session.
The types of classes are staggered at different times. If your schedule fits going at 5:15 classes, then one day you’ll be kick boxing and the next you’ll be boxing.
The thing I like is that you have a different instructor everyday. They all have their own ways of instructing the classes and the workouts are never the same. You are never going to get bored with routine. I have always kept myself in good physical condition and sometimes I struggle with the workouts because they always change.
Keep in mind, this is a gym with a specific kind of exercise routine. There are some weights and running machines but that’s not why anyone would sign up. If you want to body build go to Gold’s Gym or someplace like it.
You are going to get a TOUGH cardio vascular workout here. I think a lot of people are under the impression that all you’ll be doing is punching or kicking the bag. Classes here will give you a full body workout. Core muscles, squats, crunches/​sit ups, plyometrics and pushups. Anybody can just stand around and punch a bag and probably not wear themself out. But here you have to do jumping jacks, then do pushups, then do situps, then get up and kick the bag, then punch, then do squats, then do something else. It’s tough to do all of these one after another. And like I said, the workouts change daily. Not like when you do a video like insanity, tae bo, p90x, etc. You never know what’s next. Muscle confusion. That’s one of the things that is great about training here.
I’ve read some of the negative things said in previous reviews but let me say this:
Membership here is a lot cheaper than a lot of Martial Arts schools in the area. It’s a little more costly than normal gyms with weights, but you actually have an instructor pushing and motivating you. And you can’t help but feel motivated to keep up with everyone else in the class around you.
Each workout is an hour long. You should arrive early and stretch yourself. I usually try to stretch for at least 10 – 15 minutes before class. Starting from the neck and working down, because you will work most parts of your body. The instructors shouldn’t have to stretch you out for too long because that takes away from the actual workout. I see a lot of people come in and just stand around for 10 – 15 minutes. Just standing or sitting when they could be making better use of their time.
Some people come in and start punching and kicking the bags real hard without stretching first. Then the workout starts and they lose steam and take a lot of breaks because they’ve expended a lot of energy already.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with taking breaks. A lot of people are not as physically fit as others and won’t be able to keep up at first. But you just do what you can and eventually you get better.
If you are already in good shape then push yourself a little harder. If the instructor says «give me ten kicks», give twenty.
If you can’t see the instructor because the bags are in the way, look around you, there are plenty of people who can hear and do the moves correctly. Or just step away from your bag so that you can see what the instructor is doing. Wave at him/​her and they will come to you and correct your form.
Bring a water bottle and make sure you drink lots of water before starting. Also eat something that will give you energy like power bars or granola. If you decide that you want to get healthy by working out, then you have to eat healthy too. That big mac with large fries and DIET coke before class isn’t going to help.
If you haven’t kept yourself physically fit and/​or are worried about health issues, consult a physician before you make any commitments. You also have a one or two week trial period to decide if this is for you.
Billing practices. They go through a third party «collection» or «billing» company like most martial arts studios and gyms. It can be frustrating dealing with them, but from my past experiences at other places, it seems to be what you have to put up with if you decide to sign up for membership.

At first I loved it, only because I needed a kick in the rear to get moving. I also signed up month to month and they filed it as a year contract which I did not authorize. No straight answers from anyone that works/​worked there. It’s downhill from there… Then I realized I was obtaining more injuries than positive results. The management is horrendous, not too mention constantly rotating (bad sign, people!) as are the trainers. The good ones left immediately, the repetive boring trainers that will teach how to lose strength instead of gain muscle have remained. Night classes are just social hour for most, constant talking in a full gym does not make for a good workout.
The carpets are dirty, they clean them when they feel like it. Some classmates reported flea bites from the gym!!! No locker room, no shower, no proper warm-​up/​cool-​down, no proper instructions or consistent work out. I’ve tried discussing my issues with «management» but they refuse to listen and with attitude tell me they can’t help, send me to a random email address that sends me back to the gym. How do these people get away with this?
These people only want your money they could care less about their clients.
If your’e looking for a real gym. Join the free community center down the street, it’s got boxing and a full workout center without all the big-​box gym hoopla that LA Boxing provides.

I got a Groupon for me and the hubs to try this place out for a month, since we pass it all the time in Alexandria. After one class, we were hooked, but didn’t know about him getting to the Alexandria location from DC, so I signed up right away for a year, while he resigned himself to the fact that he’d sit out.
By the third class (kick-​boxing, after completing 2 boxing classes), he was hooked, and decided to sign up to go to the later classes. Like other people said, it’s not boxing instruction. I never thought it WOULD be, so that’s kewl. It’s a boxing and kick-​boxing workout. I would imagine that, if you wanted to learn how to really box, you’d go to a one-​on-​one session somewhere, right?
Anyway, the instructors give you motivation to continue, even if you don’t think you can do any more. Trust me, you’ll sweat A LOT, and this is coming from 2 people who’ve completed P90x and have done a variety of workouts/​outdoor junk for years.
This is not for those people who want to be pampered where they work out. Working out is serious. I don’t need a juice bar — and I don’t need to look cute while I’m working out. Trust me, after the workout, you won’t look cute, no matter how much you try. Stretch YOURSELF out before and after. We’ve all worked out enough to know how to do that without instruction, right?
The people who workout there are friendly too — and I love that that they’re right there with you thinking the same thing: «Is he serious?», «We have to do how many more?!»
Just go. Try the FREE workout they offer. You’ll know, right away, that it’s a great workout — but only you can decide if it’s the kind of workout for you. All I know is, it’s perfect for US.

LA Boxing is not a fitness club. There is no sauna or juice bar, no fresh towels, and no TVs on the cardio equipment. There isn’t even a shower, or astonishingly, a place to change (other than the bathroom). LA Boxing is a large, square room with many windows, heavy bags and a pseudo boxing ring.
LA Boxing is also not a boxing club nor does it include any real boxing instruction. The warm-​up is short and hardly adequate (I’ve pulled my shoulder muscle twice already), instruction on how to strike the bag is minimal (I imagine causing injury for some of the very inexperienced) and the blaring music makes it difficult to follow the instructor.
For me, LA Boxing is a place to supplement workouts at my regular gym. Running on the treadmill gets old fast and LA Boxing is a great way to spice things up. This club does NOT work for people who need a full gym. The two treadmills shoved in the corner aren’t going to cut it for you.
The bags can feel a little cramped making the room stuffy and hot sometimes. If someone opens the back door to cool the room off and you happen to be at a bag near it, you will freeze and your muscles will cramp. Try to get a bag in the middle of the room.
The cramped bags also make it difficult to see or hear the instructor at times. Some instructors do a great job of moving around while others pace in the front of the room looking bored. Also, it would be fun if the routines were mixed up a little with some partners work, jump rope or shadow boxing.
All that said, I usually have a GREAT time there and leave feeling completely wiped. The beauty of LA Boxing is that you can make the work out as easy or as difficult as you like by adjusting the speed and force with which you hit the bag. Beginners and buff gym rats both leave drenched in sweat and satisfied. You’re also getting your cardio and resistance training done in one combined workout.
I would recommend this gym for people who already have access to a traditional fitness club. Also, if you’re the type of person that likes to work-​out between work and happy hour without going home, this place isn’t going to cut it for you — no showers. However, if you want to get out some aggression, are a relatively experienced exerciser (i.e. can stretch yourself and figure out how to hit the bag safely) and are up for an extremely challenging work-​out, give LA Boxing a shot.
p. s. Sergio is my favorite instructors and one of the most challenging.