Rumble Boxing: Gloves Up
“Think they Ali and ish…
I roll with the punches so I survive. I bob and weave, move my feet from side to side. I'm back, stronger than ever surprise, surprise. They try to take me out the game but I's alive"
- Jay Z
Have we met a boxing studio we don’t like? Not really. However, Rumble Boxing has found a way to set itself apart from its competitors and we were definitely here for all of it.
Rumble Boxing focuses on high-intensity interval training, strength training and metabolic conditioning – all in one 45-minute class. Set up in 10 rounds, you will navigate between boxing drills using an aqua training bag, and strength drills using traditional weights and a bench. The studio keeps the workout streamlined by focusing on just four punches: jab, cross, uppercut and hook. However, as the combos progress throughout class and instructors also throw in squats, burpees, chest press and all the strength moves you love (to hate?) to keep you on your toes.
While this workout was founded in New York, everything about this studio screams LA. The music is loud (and hip hop classics are in rotation). The lights are low. Tupac and Biggie and staring down at you from the moment you walk in. The Hollywood studio had a fierce picture of Prince’s mugshot plastered on the wall. And, you can definitely pose it up for the ‘gram. None of this takes away from the strong full-body workout you power through and we loved the energy of our trainer, Kendall Wood.
Studio Visited: Rumble Boxing
Sweat Level: 💦💦 💦💦 of 5
Gear Needed?
If you already have your own boxing wraps, bring them! There is an additional charge to rent your boxing gloves. If you purchase wraps, you get to keep them and they are pretty cute. Otherwise, just grab your water bottle and go.
Studio Vibe:
Sleek and cool. With a color palette of black, white and a yellow-gold, something about this studio gives Miami-vibes: bold, loud and casually cool.
Who to Bring?
Your bombshell, badass friend. This studio keeps the lights low, the music loud and the transitions are quick. You definitely want to bring a partner who always up for a good time and quick on his/her feet.
Where can I visit?
Big city dwellers are in luck. Rumble has studios in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
Would You Double Tap That?
Yes! Getting used to the aqua training bags versus your traditional boxing bag is a good, extra challenge. We also like the mash-up of cardio and strength in the floor transitions and working in rounds keeps the class structured. The workout is truly full body with boxing as your cardio round, but also using dumbbells and hand weights during the strength portion. While the low lights add to the ambiance of the studio, we felt it made the transitions between boxing rounds and floor drills a little tougher to navigate.
If you like Rumble, you will also love: Barry’s Bootcamp or Shred415. While the treadmill replaces the boxing rounds at these two studios, the idea of a cardio to strength segment is the same.
#FinesseTip: If you consider yourself a beginner to boxing, this may be a workout you want to ease into. Not because it is overly strenuous, but at times the lights are extremely low. We both worked through periods where we felt our form slipping and could correct ourselves because we were used to the moves. Beginners and first-timers should make it a point to introduce themselves to the instructor and stay close to the front to ensure you can see at all times.