HAVEN Boxing — Local services in New York

It’s disappointing to write this review, but I feel compelled to share my experience. I attended a 5:30 PM ‘all levels’ open class for the fourth or fifth time this year. What initially drew me to this gym was its commitment to inclusivity for women, queer individuals, and POC. As a brown woman and co-chair of a DEI group called ACT, that mission resonated with me. I also appreciated their kindness in allowing my emotional support dog.

Unfortunately, today’s experience contradicted the gym’s philosophy that ‘anyone who has ever been made to feel excluded in a fitness space is welcome here.’

My friend and I, both beginners, were paired for partner drills. We called out numbers to help each other follow the sequence, which didn’t disrupt anyone, but the instructor, reprimanded us. She claimed we were misbehaving, but we were just trying to learn in a way that worked for us.

I’ve taken this instructors class before, Andrea, and respect that she pushes people, but her approach can come off crass at times. She often assumes mistakes come from inattention instead of recognizing different learning styles.

Rather than checking in, she scolded us in a way that felt dismissive. As we were leaving she approached us again, and I explained we were counting the sequence, she dismissed it and implied I should already be proficient since I've been to 4 or so classes.

When I expressed that I felt triggered by her tone, she justified it as necessary for ‘safety.’ For context, the music was loud, and we weren’t being disruptive—nothing we said was louder than the music. Another instructor jumped in to defend her, making me feel ganged up on for simply expressing how I felt.

I believe the people here mean well, but inclusivity isn’t just about who you welcome—it’s about how you treat every people once they’re inside. I’ve had positive experiences with other instructors who’ve been supportive in a way that resonates with me, but I won’t be returning. I’ll request a refund for my remaining classes, though I doubt they’ll grant it. What once felt like a safe space no longer does, and I hope no one else is made to...

I usually don’t write reviews but another costumer one month ago describes a very similar experience to mine, suggesting a pattern. In this studio that promotes inclusivity and open conversations you will feel unwelcome if, somehow, they think you do not belong with them. Before the class I responded I had tried boxing before but apparently, they expected a much better performance from me. I stepped out to get water and, once I got back, before I could even look ahead of me one of the instructors approached me and told me I had to follow and be more present. The scolding continued and at one point the same instructor looked at me and said ‘so crazy’ as I didn’t have my gloves on yet. At the end I was about to leave without mentioning anything (to somehow end on a positive note) when the same instructor comes up to me again to lecture me about how I shouldn’t have said I tried boxing before if my level was so low. As I try to explain to her that I was just tired she accompanied me to the door and told me I could leave and not come back. People have busy lives, no one was there to become a professional and no one should be blamed for doing what works for them or for taking it slow. I was never rude or disrespectful, me joining the group a few seconds later did not disrupt the class. I didnt even ask them any questions so this was definitely NOT privileged behavior. I appreciate constructive criticism but this was rather an unnecessary personal attack and as the previous review said “I hope no one else is made to feel this way again.”

Again you just want to select people that for some reason you feel belong to the HAVEN family. But I did nothing to disrespect you so you have no right to...

This still sucks cause the playlist was a banger.

I started going to HAVEN because of their inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly message. I genuinely enjoyed the classes and thought it would be a great idea to bring my girlfriend, who was brand new to boxing, to one of their all-levels sessions.

Right away, we were split into beginners and returning members. I get it — structure is fine — but I wish I could’ve stayed with her to support her. The music was so loud, and with instructors wearing masks, she couldn’t hear instructions clearly. For something marketed as beginner-friendly, it felt way too fast and overwhelming.

What really upset us happened at the end. As we were leaving, Gabby asked my girlfriend how she liked the class. My girlfriend, trying to be positive, said she had fun and wanted to get better. Gabby then told her she had a “terrible attitude” and didn’t like the way she looked at her — when in reality, she was just trying to hear her over the music. That comment left her so embarrassed she cried afterward.

It felt like a huge misunderstanding, but instead of giving her the benefit of the doubt, they chose confrontation over communication. For a place that claims to be inclusive, that moment told us otherwise.

This happened about 8 months ago, and I wasn’t going to write a review — but after hearing from others with similar stories, I felt like it was worth sharing.

And yes, I know they’ll probably leave one of their usual snarky replies instead of just taking accountability. That seems to be the pattern.

I’ve gone back to my old gym....