Their intention: bring boxing mainstream by creating amind-body workoutthats efficient, effective, and fun.
Boxing has an aggressive and intimidating association, Wadler tells SELF.
People also think boxing means dealing with smelly gloves (gross!)
Ron Holden / Courtesy of BoxUnion
and hard bags that hurt to punch (ow!).
The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming.
The gloves are sanitized and fresh smelling.
Ron Holden / Courtesy of BoxUnion
But what goes on inside the studios walls is far from tranquil.
Its equal parts mind, body, boxing, and music, he says.
It allows you to connect with your breath and prepare yourself for whats ahead, Wadler explains.
Ron Holden / Courtesy of BoxUnion
Up next is a series ofstretchesand low-impact cardio to warm you up and loosen your joints.
Then, you shadowbox.
BoxUnion trainers call out numbers along with the name of each move (i.e.
one means jab, two means cross, three means hook, etc.
), which helps engage your mind along with your body, Wadler says.
Music is integrated throughout the entire workout, so all the sequences are set to fast-paced tunes.
Next, the gloves go on.
Youll continue to box to the beat as you hit the heavy bag at your individual station.
Youll also revisit the intentions set at the start of the class.
Thats why instructors will stress the connection between your mind, body, and breath during class.
Theres a meditative aspect of what were doingfrom the music to the intention setting, Wadler explains.
Plus, boxing itself requires fairly intense concentration and focus to remember the punches and step sequences.
(Unlike when yougo for a runand your mind races the entire time, for example.)
Learning how to throw a punch is empowering, and it helps you move more confidently, Wadler says.
And, as plenty of clients can attest, letting out somefeelson that boxing bag is undoubtedly therapeutic.
BoxUnion is 45-minute therapy, says client Annemarie O., age 27.
Its very powerful and almost emotional.
One caveat: If you are dealing with mental health issues, boxing shouldn’t replace actual therapy.
Most clients are first-timers, and many who visit the studio become regulars, Wadler says.
They see customers spanning the whole age spectrum, from older adults, to moms, to twentysomething models.
Wish you could check it out, but dont live in L.A.?
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