Box it Out at UNDRCARD

Last week, I made my official return to the world of fitness since having a baby, by hitting up a boxing class with the Blog Squad. Go hard or stay home, right? Last Thursday night, we found ourselves at the coolest studio I've ever been to, wrapping our hands in anticipation for what promises to be a kick-ass workout, in a "fight club meets night club" atmosphere.

UNDRCARD Boxing Studio is Calgary's premier boxing studio which combines actual boxing technique with a night club atmosphere. From the moment you step inside their doors, you feel pretty bad-ass. The check-in counter is bright and boasts a monochrome wall of boxing gloves. Head in and around the corner is a full-fledged boxing ring. Further on down, there are complimentary lockers and fully stocked change rooms. There's also a coffee, juice and food bar, plus a little corner store where you can purchase all the latest boxing culture gear.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect and to say I was intimated beforehand is an understatement. Thankfully, the boxing class truly is like a nightclub: lights are kept low and the music is pumping and LOUD. I mean, I haven't been to a nightclub in ages, but I'm pretty sure this is still what they're like, right?

Our instructor was awesome, more than welcoming and never made us feel out of place. While I found it difficult at times to see her from where I was standing, she did move around to show us the combos and made the rounds to help us out a bit. I've taken my share of aerobic style kick-boxing classes, but I've never truly "boxed".

We started the class with just our hand wraps on, moving through a warm-up and practicing our jabs and undercuts. Then the gloves go on and you get to work on your bag. Each punch is given a number so that as the class progresses, the instructor calls out numerical combos. This was tough and takes some brain power. All that memorization from dance classes from my youth definitely helped, but I still got lost a few times. The first class of anything new is always the hardest though! I can only imagine that after another class or two, the moves and combos would come to you much more quickly. UNDRCARD also offers a 30 minute Boxing 101 class for anyone new to boxing or wanting to focus on the basics.

But hitting and punching your bag? Even if you make up your own combo routine? What a release. There's no denying that exercise makes you feel better, but there's something to be said for letting it all out on your punching bag. And boxing is one of those sports where you get out of it what you put into it. The harder you throw those punches, the more you are going to feel it. And let me tell you, punching that bag and pretending you know what you're doing, that feels pretty darn bad-ass. 

For the most part, I gave it my all in that class. It feels good to hit things! Since I'm 8 weeks postpartum and had a c-section, I did sit the ab portion out, except for the planks and v-sits. I was so sure I was going to wake up the next day incredibly sore and unable to move my arms, but surprisingly, I felt really good! I was comfortably sore, but not in any pain.

Here's some things you should know before you go to a class at UNDRCARD: You have to buy your own wraps ($8) for sanitary reasons, but you can reuse them over and over. Boxing gloves are provided though. You can leave your wedding rings on because there's enough space between your knuckles and the gloves to protect them. Bring a water bottle and wear running shoes (although you can go barefoot, but I wouldn't recommend it). Arrive 30 minutes early. This gives you time to lock up your stuff, fill out your waiver and wrap your hands. Don't be scared! I know I was, but honestly, everyone was super friendly and inviting. When you're signing in, pick a bag (they're all numbered) closer to the middle of the room, right in front of the instructor. Here's some more tips to ease your mind.

Prices:

Drop-in: $24

10-Class Pass: $199

20-Class Pass: $379

Monthly Membership: $209

{Blog Squad: Jen//Me//Ange//Laura//Jen}

If you've never taken a boxing class before, I cannot recommend it enough. You owe it to yourself to go beat up on a punching bag at least once. Your body and mind will thank you for it. I promise, it's the most bad-ass you will feel in a long time!

*Photos c/o Ange & Laura

A big thank you to UNDRCARD for inviting the Blog Squad to try out a class in exchange for an honest review.

Have you ever boxed? Would you?

What's the most intimidating fitness class you've ever taken?