Beantown Boxing — Restaurant in Boston

Go go go. Get yourself here. By luck/fate, I got a Nift to try out 3 sessions at Back Bay Boxing, which I honestly only selected because it was such a higher retail value than the other choices. I knew nothing about boxing, and what little I did know made me think I was making a terrible choice. I have always been scared of contact sports, and have had traumatic physical assault experiences that make me nervous around aggressive people. I am the least athletic person I know, have always hated exercise, and am recently recovering from a chronic illness that left me unable to even carry my own groceries a few months ago. Friends and family who heard I was going to try this three weeks ago were shocked. All this to say, if I can do this, you can do this.

My first class I was hooked. The cardio portion in the beginning is no joke, and I couldn’t make it through the first time. But I keep coming back because John is incredibly understanding and non-judgmental about my fitness level. The partner work after cardio is easily the most fun I’ve ever had doing something athletic. I never would have thought of this, but when you’re practicing different combos with a partner, it’s not only very social and cooperative, but you’re also really only competing against yourself. And given my past experiences, it’s also really empowering!

John gives a TON of personal feedback and coaching, so it really feels like the class is individualized to you. Everyone I’ve met in class has been extremely welcoming and encouraging. Each time I’ve left sweaty, exhausted, and exhilarated. This is honestly the first time I’ve understood why people like working out. I don’t want to sound over-dramatic, but my family and friends would say the same thing - this place is kind of a miracle for me. I know all the positive reviews were definitely a motivating factor for me in trying this even when I was scared; so if you are even considering this a little...

I started attending outdoor group boxing classes about 6 months ago as a complete beginner, and I'm so glad I joined. It was a great way to get through the cold, dark Boston winter and now, as we transition into warmer weather, I'm still just as excited to go.

Each 45-minute class starts with a warm-up that might include exercises like jumping jacks, mountain climbers, squats, push-ups, jogging in place, lunges, jumping rope, etc. If you need to modify any of the movements, it's ok! Then you partner up: one person wears gloves and throws punches in combinations called out by the coaches while the other person wears mitts and catches the punches. You'll rotate gloves, mitts, and partners over the course of a few rounds. Finally, there might be a group-wide drill or a cool-down to wrap up. It's a great workout and fun, too!

Every class offers the chance to learn something new, challenge yourself, and grow, all while being surrounded by supportive and patient coaches and classmates. The coaches guide you throughout class and correct your form as needed. I cannot say enough good things about Coaches Johnny, Kaleigh, and Jake. They are kind, encouraging, and dedicated to helping you improve to be a better boxer through personalized instruction and practice.

If you think you might not belong here, you absolutely do! No matter your age, fitness level, or experience, there's space for you. It's an incredibly welcoming and inclusive group of people and I always look forward to...

This is hands-down the best exercise class in Boston. John (the owner) must have worked incredibly hard to build an amazing community. The people who come are diverse, kind, and motivating. For me, the community and its chill (particularly hard to find in Boston) vibe are half of what bring me back to class a few times a week. As for the actual content of the group classes, they are hard, and, at the same time, deeply satisfying. Class reminds me of team sports in high school - suffering, but doing it together as a group, which is way more fun and tolerable.

All the instructors (and especially John) are experts. This actually matters a great deal if you want to get better at something over time, instead of just learning bad habits and repeating them each class in a futile attempt to burn some calories. The instructors change up exercises quickly, which makes it feel a bit easier to get through. I really appreciate the instructors' straightforward, slightly sarcastic, yet supportive approach. I think I'm actually getting better at boxing, finally, after taking several classes at other gyms where I'm not sure that I did more than throw my weight into random punches inconsistently.

Come to class! Say hi to people!...