I never ever thought I’d ever get into boxing (especially at Kobox), but since being introduced to it at the number 1 bootcamp in Morocco (read about my trip there here), it’s safe to say it’s become my favourite way to work out!

I love boxing! And I recently discovered Kobox.  It’s like Barry’s London, if you’re familiar with that (read my post on that here), but with boxing instead of a treadmill.

Each KOBOX class lasts for 50 minutes in which 20-25 minutes are of heavy bag boxing training using their ‘punch by numbers’ system with 20-25 minutes of strength training utilising a range of unique equipment, including gymnastic rings, slam balls, and free weights.

Don’t worry if you’re new to boxing, as on your first day you are taught the basic boxing sequences, so hitting a one and two, three and four, or five and six.

KOBOX is only in London at the moment, so sorry if you’re reading this and you’re not from London. But if you are London-based, there are two locations one in Chelsea and on in East London, both opening from 6am which is perfect for busy days! You can check out the exact locations here.

On arriving you are allocated a number and either a floor space or a boxing bag, so for example you might be bag 6, and then you do 5/10 minutes on that before you swap over to floor 6.

You are taught the basic boxing sequences, so hitting a one and two, three and four, or five and six, and the instructor lets you know which number sequences to punch whilst letting the people on the floor know which exercises to do.

The thing I love about Kobox and what makes it so incredible are the instructors and the music! It’s different every time and there are 12 different trainers, and although I’ve always gone to Jay’s class, I am told that each trainer brings their own personality and style to their classes. If you do Jay’s class he plays loads of grime and garage bangers (which I obviously love!) and I literally just get lost in the music. Jay is the most amazing instructor, he’s so motivating and positive! He recently won an award for Best Trainer of Group Exercise at the UK Fitness Awards too. He’s good because he makes jokes, and also works with you individually if you’re doing anything wrong (this is really important to me because I naturally have terrible form and so it helps to avoid injury). Another amazing thing is that unlike in a normal gym, the room is dark so you’re not looking at anyone else and nor do you feel self-conscious about people staring at you!

I honestly don’t know what I did before I discovered boxing. I love getting lost in my thoughts as I punch away at the bag - it’s so good as naturally you think of all the things you’re stressed about (horrible men, work, horrible men!), and is such a good release. I honestly think I’m 50% more calm since I took up boxing!

And mental benefits aside, boxing is so good for toning as you’re using your arms, legs and abs all together. You seriously work up a sweat in there, especially in the last 10 minutes when you go into Beast Mode where you alternate every couple of minutes between the bag and a disgustingly challenging floor sequence.

There’s about 30 people in a class and I’ve been to classes that are very girl heavy and then I’ve been to classes that are really balanced with men and women, so if you’re a guy reading this you won’t be the only dude there, and if you’re a girl reading this it’s not a really intimidating alpha male class like I imagine going to a boxing ring would be!

Although saying that, I love boxing so much I’m actually tempted to start trying to learn in a ring! Does anyone know any good places I can go in London?

Let me know if you end up trying Kobox after reading this post, or if I’ve inspired you to try boxing for the first time. If you want to find out more about Kobox, then head to their website. Or if you’re really into another way to keep fit please share it with me as I love to mix up my fitness regime so I never get bored!

All my yellow sportswear is from my friend, Lucy Mecklenburgh‘s collection with Ellesse and you can shop it if you click the links below, or go here to see the full collection.

Speak to you soon,
Ashley x