Walking into a RockBox class truly makes you feel like a rockstar. The front desk crew is top notch helpful, the music is fire, and the facility is inviting and ready make you feel pumped. As a fitness enthusiast, I love checking out different class styles instead of staying in my own little box. (See what I did there?) I’ve never taken anything similar to a kickboxing class before, and honestly… I was intimidated! But RockBox fitness is one of a kind, and gives off such a fun vibe that I couldn’t wait to try it.
I was super excited to check out a RockBox class and see what the hype was about. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I have very little balance and coordination, I’m a lover not a fighter, and I’m not really a fan of cardio. But a functional fitness class that combines kickboxing with strength? Yes please!
(Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. RockBox provided me with three free trial classes, but did not request this blog post. All opinions are my own.)
RockBox Class Format
First things first, make sure to show up to your first RockBox class a good 30 minutes early. There’s a lot to learn. Before class starts you will need to fill out a first time intake form as well as a standard liability waiver. The intake form gives the staff an idea of your fitness level, and any injuries that might require modifications. The class moves fast, and you won’t be able to talk much once it begins, so they want to answer all the questions and get the demos out of the way in advance.
You will be required to purchase (or bring) a pair of wraps (shoutout to RockBox West Ashley for including them in my free trial!) Gloves themselves can be rented at the desk, or members can purchase a pair of their own. I bought these from Amazon.
Each month, RockBox releases the daily focuses in advance. So I chose to attend full body and leg focus days, since I’m not a fan of core. But it’s totally up to you if that impacts your decision which days to attend.
Like any good fitness class, there’s a group warmup with typical moves like jumping jacks, squats, inchworms with pushups, and lunges. Then class begins. There are two main sections of the class, the strength circuit and the boxing circuit. Members can choose where they want to start, then listen for the ding ding of the timer to know when to rotate. But they complete one whole section of the class (strength or boxing) before switching sides and completing that circuit. Before you finish though, there’s a finisher of course. This was truly the burnout.
–Strength Circuit:
There are 8-9 stations in the strength circuit, which aligns with the 8-9 rounds at the punching bags. Two members can be at a station at a time. There is an iPad with an exercise being demoed, and a few weights or other equipment to choose from. Members complete the single move for the either 90 seconds or 2 minutes, depending on the day, before rotating to the next station. Once all of rounds at the strength circuit are completed, they switch sides and head over to the boxing circuit.
–Boxing Circuit:
There are two punching bag types on the boxing circuit side of the gym. Members choose which bag they want first. The coach will demo a combo of 4-6 moves for each of the bags, then members repeat the combo for the duration of the round. This repeats, with a new combo, for each round (again, these rounds might be 90 seconds or 2 minutes, depending on the day). In the boxing circuit, members will stick with their bag for half of the set of rounds before switching bags. They do not rotate each round like the strength circuit.
Oh- and members also carry a spray bottle and towel with them to wipe equipment after they use it.
RockBox Class Overview
Overall, Rockbox has been the most intense, and sweatiest, class of my life. The sweat drops on the floor were incomparable to any class I’ve ever taken before. It is absolutely a workout, and you will leave satisfied. Yes, the air conditioning was on full blast, but that didn’t touch the heat we were throwing down.
This class style may be overwhelming for beginners. The moves in the boxing circuit aren’t complicated, but the rounds move so quick and the combos are rattled off in an instant. Someone without any background in boxing will more than likely need to flag over the coach for help at least once. The strength circuit pretty much leaves the members on their own to complete the exercises. Sure, the coaches will walk around and modify or adjust form as needed. But someone without a background in foundational fitness moves will not be able to learn a move from a video demo and properly execute it within the 90 second round. Make sure you are honest with your fitness level on your intake form, and let the coach know in advance if you are unfamiliar with boxing moves and/or standard weight lifting or bodyweight exercises.
What Makes RockBox Different?
Rockbox is high energy, high intensity, and the workout is non-stop. There are literally no rests, unless you count the time wiping your equipment and walking to the next station. The music is loud and it’s hard not to enjoy yourself. This class is intense, but it is fun.
There were so many times when I had no idea what I was doing. But I didn’t worry about perfect technique, or even nailing the right combo. I enjoyed hitting the bag. There’s no mirrors, so no self critique. And your neighbor doesn’t care either. It’s all about you, and how you feel.
Summary:
Length: 45 minutes
Format: circuits
Equipment: wraps, gloves
Suggested outfit: anything goes, sneakers
Difficulty: Definitely not for beginners without an honest intake
Show up Prepared:
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Want to check out other class reviews? Pure Barre Review
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