Congratulations, you’ve signed up for your first class at Brick City Boxing! Whether you’re chasing a new fitness goal, looking to relieve some stress, or searching for your community, it can be intimidating to walk into your first class — even for those who’ve been in the ring before!
Maybe you’ve never thrown a punch. Maybe you’re worried you’re the only one who can’t tell an uppercut from a jab. Good news—that’s exactly why we’re here.
Every week, new people join us at Brick City Boxing. By the end of their first class, they’re often surprised by how welcoming, supportive, and fun the experience is. Here’s what you can expect on your first visit.
Before You Arrive
Put aside any anxiety you may have about your first class. You don’t need any boxing experience. (Most members have none before they join!) You don’t need to own gloves. You don’t need to be in good shape.
Wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes, and bring a water bottle. We’ll provide wraps and gloves, and our coaches will help you get the right fit. Try to arrive a few minutes early to meet your coach and get settled.
The Warm Up
Each class starts with a warm-up designed to get your heart rate up and your body ready to move. Think jump rope, bodyweight movements such as jumping jacks and squats, and shadowboxing.
Haven’t jumped rope since elementary school? Don’t panic. It’s a skill, just like boxing, and everybody begins somewhere.
Our warm-up isn’t just extra time. It helps build the same conditioning that boxers use in the ring.
Get Familiar with the Bell
Hear the bell? At Brick City Boxing, much of the workout is built around three-minute rounds, just like in a real boxing match. Workout hard for three minutes, recover briefly, and do it again!
At first, three minutes might seem long. By the end of your first class, you’ll see why boxers respect every round. Soon, you might even start thinking of workouts, and maybe even life, in three-minute chunks.
Glove Up!
Now the fun really begins.
Our coaches will walk you through the fundamentals, including:
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Basic boxing stance
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Basic punches
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Footwork
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How to safely hit the heavy bag and mitts
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Combinations
Depending on the day’s focus, you’ll rotate through training drills and elements that may include:
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Heavy bag combinations
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Mitt work
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Ring movement and footwork
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Defensive drills
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Cardio intervals built around boxing combinations
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Speed bag training
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Double-end bag drills for timing, rhythm, and accuracy
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Strength training using battle ropes, weights, and bodyweight
"I'm not going to kill you on the first day, but you will know you were here." — Coach Joe Hanks
Each round has a purpose. Some help you build power, while others improve your endurance, speed, or technique. This variety keeps the session interesting and helps you become a stronger, more well-rounded athlete.
Our coaches will assess where you are physically, mentally, and emotionally, as well as where you are on your overall fitness journey. You're going to be challenged, but you're not expected to keep up with someone who has been training for years.
Finish Strong
Classes typically wrap up with a last effort. This may include several rounds of:
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Core and ab circuits
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Weight training
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Conditioning exercises
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Mobility and stretching
The goal of the first class isn't to prove how tough you are. It's to learn, get comfortable, get a great workout, and leave feeling accomplished, and ready to come back.
More than a Workout
By the end of class, you’ll probably be sweaty, a little tired, and smiling. You’ll have learned new skills, challenged yourself in ways you didn’t expect, and discovered why so many people fall in love with boxing.
You’ll have trained alongside teachers, nurses, firefighters, students, executives, retirees, and competitive athletes. Some have trained for years. Others are taking their very first class, just like you. Everyone remembers what it felt like to be new, and everyone wants to see you succeed.
Boxing challenges your body, sharpens your mind, and gives you a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s one of the few workouts that helps you relieve stress and build confidence at the same time.
At Brick City Boxing, we’re not just building stronger fighters. We’re building stronger people.
Ready to Experience It For Yourself?
Your first class is complimentary, so you can experience our coaching, our community, and our training before making any commitment.
Come meet our coaches, hear the bell, and see what you can achieve. We’re excited to welcome you to Brick City Boxing.