Whether you’re an aspiring amateur or a fluent fighter, boxing is a great way to finesse your physique: social yet competitive, and physically and mentally stimulating. It might just be time to trade in your fitness club membership for a pass to one of these boxing clubs.
Sugarrays
Need to release some steam after a late night at the office? The only full-time professional boxing club in Western Canada, this Granville Street spot is the place for serious boxers and those who aspire to be same. The upscale underground facility is open 24 hours a day and offers the best membership rates in town. There are no classes, but members can drop in any time and work with one of up to three trainers on the floor. Training is covered with your membership fee and the inspiring fighters will work with you on technique, conditioning, floor exercises, weight-training programs and even nutrition. Sauna time is also included and provides a perfect opportunity to talk shop with the boys. If you want to compete, the club can set you up to fight as an amateur or pro — but, in case it requires stating, the standards are high.
Astoria Boxing Club
Established in 1966, the Astoria is one of B.C.’s oldest boxing clubs. It has produced Canadian and Olympic champions and today welcomes competitive and casual boxers alike. The club is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings for technical training and sparring, with private and small group instruction offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and weekends. Expect to see lots of women and youth at this inclusive club.
Contenders Training Studio
This downtown training facility is ideal for beginners who want to incorporate boxing into their workout routine without the bloody noses. Contenders offers a host of boxing classes including beginner kickboxing, boxing and upper body, lower body and core training camp. The gym offers a two-week trial pass for $30, which gives you unlimited access to all the classes. Corporate workshops are also available and offer, according to the trainers, an excellent opportunity to get active with your coworkers and boost morale. Just go easy on your boss.
Griffins Boxing and Fitness
Canada’s largest boxing facility, this North Shore gym boasts 6,000 square feet of training space. Have your way with over 20 heavy bags and take on opponents in the two boxing rings. Perfect for cross-training, Griffins has a full weight room and an indoor running track, and offers high-intensity cardio classes. This is a great place to be for the social side of boxing, too: Griffins hosts a variety of activities for members, including barbecues and the popular Saturday Night Boxing events, which feature amateur boxers every two months.
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Image courtesy of Peter Amador.
