Stepping into a boxing gym for the first time can feel intimidating. Between the heavy bags, the speed bags, and the sound of leather hitting pads, it is easy to wonder if you need to be in peak shape before you even walk through the door. At AndStill Boxing Club, located at 4541 N Pine Island Rd in Sunrise, FL, we hear this all the time. The short answer is no—you do not need to get in shape to start boxing. Boxing gets you in shape.
Whether you are an adult looking for a disciplined workout, a woman wanting an empowering fitness outlet, or a parent exploring youth boxing programs for kids, starting your boxing journey is simpler than you might think. Here is our direct, no-nonsense coach’s guide on how to start boxing for beginners.
1. Leave Your Ego at the Door
The biggest hurdle for any beginner isn’t physical—it is mental. Nobody expects you to throw a textbook hook or slip punches like a seasoned professional on day one. Real boxing is about learning mechanics, footwork, and timing brick by brick. Our coaches are active professional boxers who break down every movement so you learn it correctly from the start. Trust the process, accept that you will feel awkward at first, and focus on the work.
2. Understand What to Expect in Your First Session
At AndStill Boxing Club, every full one-hour session is built around real fundamentals and guaranteed 1-on-1 pad work. When you come in for a class, you won’t be lost in a massive crowd. We keep our class sizes small so you get actual coaching attention.
- Stance and Guard: Learning how to stand, where to keep your hands, and how to protect your chin.
- Basic Punches: Breaking down the jab and the cross step-by-step.
- Pad Work: Working directly with a coach on punch mitts to feel proper impact and rhythm.
- Conditioning: Bodyweight and bag work designed to build stamina naturally.
3. What to Wear and Bring
You do not need an expensive wardrobe to start boxing. Comfort and mobility are key:
- Breathable athletic clothing (t-shirts, shorts, or athletic leggings).
- Clean athletic shoes or boxing shoes with good indoor traction.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the hour.
- Hand wraps and gloves if you own them—otherwise, we have gear available to get you started.
4. Test the Waters with a Drop-In Class
Commitment can feel daunting before you know if a gym is the right fit. That is why we keep our entry simple. You can try a single session with our $25 drop-in class, and if you decide to join, that $25 fee is applied directly toward your monthly membership. We offer flexible options like our 2 days/week membership for $125/mo, 3 days/week for $150/mo, and 5 days/week for $189/mo, with open gym access included and no long-term contracts or hidden fees.
Ready to throw your first punch?
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Boxing
Do I need to spar as a beginner?
No. Sparring is completely optional and only introduced when a student has built solid defensive skills, conditioning, and technical awareness under coach supervision. Most beginners focus entirely on bag work, technical drills, and 1-on-1 pad work.
Am I too old to start boxing?
Not at all. We train adults of all ages and fitness levels. Boxing is an incredible cardiovascular and mental workout that adapts to where you are right now.
How do I join?
Stop by our gym at 4541 N Pine Island Rd in Sunrise, FL, give us a call at (561) 648-6612, or drop in for a session. We are proud to serve Sunrise, Plantation, Lauderhill, and Davie with real coaching and real results.