Kobox's upper body workout: A hardcore class that packs plenty of punches

The popular boxing class is put to the test
Round one: it is estimated that you can burn up to 1,000 calories a class (Kobox)
7 January 2019

When and where?

Kobox’s King’s Road studio, every Tuesday at 5.45pm — otherwise known as the Chelsea branch’s prime-time class, which catches the first round of high-energy worker bees who have hotfooted it from their west London office primed to hit a punchbag very, very hard.

What’s the drill?

A 50-minute class is split between drills on the aforementioned punchbag and “wall” exercises. There are six punchbag moves: each is assigned a number, and drills are projected on to the wall so you can follow. You alternate punching rounds with “wall” drills of fast HIIT exercises, some involving equipment — shoulder presses with sandbags or hand weights — and some demanding bodyweight moves, such as mountain climbers, burpees and press-ups.

The skinny Kobox estimates that you can burn up to 1,000 calories a class.

Sweat count

You could fill a bucket (TMI?). This is a (very) hard and fast session, with very little let-up between rounds. Make sure you take a (reusable) water bottle and grab a towel (provided) from the rack before you enter the studio.

The social network

The west London outpost of this boxing studio is packed with French hedge-fundies, lissom Chelsea mums and off-duty models (genuinely — Jourdan Dunn is a regular).

Instructor appeal

The class is taught by Ollie, who might look like a cutie pie but is in fact a brutal taskmaster. His rounds of burpees between drills are enough to make you cry. You won’t be able to tell if you are, as you’ll be sweating so much (see above).

What to pack

Your first class includes a set of boxing wraps — remember to bring them if you brave a second class. You also need standard studio kit: towels are provided.

The sounds

Ollie is all about big hip-hop beats, which are a suitable soundtrack to a session beating the hell out of a bag.

Locker room chat

There are four showers with Ren toiletries, and the changing room has hairdryers, GHD straighteners, moisturiser and cotton-wool pads. The lockers use a code system — no padlocks required — and there’s a protein shake bar on site. Shakes start from a fiver — pay by card or via your account — and there are vegan proteins available too. The Blueberry Brawler will revive you.

Tips for first-timers

Arrive 10 minutes early — first-timers get a run-through of the moves with the trainer teaching the class, so you won’t ne totally lost when it comes to the fast-paced drills. Also, pick a bag nearer the back of the studio so you don’t feel too exposed.

The afterburn

Avoid anything intrepid after your first session as you’ll hurt all over. While fatigued muscles last a few days the endorphin hit is addictive.

First-timer classes start at £25. To book, visit kobox.com

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