Is this normal?

[iStraughan]

Hey everybody,

I recently joined a boxing gym a few weeks ago, and loved it and would go 1-2 times a day, 3-4 times a week. My goal is to eventually compete, but I really don't know anything about boxing(technique and everything that comes with the sport).

The gym I go to has about 3 "classes" per day, and so far I've participated in about 10 of them. Everything was cool at first, but I've noticed every single one of those classes have ONLY been abs and stretches, nothing else. Every time I've gone in when it's just open gym, I've noticed everybody just doing their own thing and the trainer/owner just sits at his desk.

Out of all the times I've gone to the gym, I've only once been taught how to throw a jab/straight and the proper boxing stance, and that only lasted MAYBE 5 minutes, then he rushed us to the bags to try and get us to practice and dipped out on us. Other than that, I've really learned nothing.

After reading some posts about how trainers should train newbies since it is a customer service or how I need to prove myself that I wanna be there. So, I've been making it clear to him that I'd eventually like to compete, but I really don't know any technique or stuff. His response was to come in for sparring sessions because that's the best way to learn. That's cool, and that's ultimately what I'm there for and tbh I'm pretty athletic, but I know I don't know shiiii about how to box. So, I asked about learning technique and my fundamentals so I can box, and he told me that I would have to purchase private lessons that are $30 for 45mins-1hr. To me, that was a super huge let down and that I'm paying $75 just to use his equipment.

So, my question after that entire novel, is that normal for trainers to have a membership to their gym, but only teach boxing in private lessons?

[N!Ck F.]

Not unusual... if your serious about training and your trainers not an ******* he should be able to work with you a few times per week no problem without asking for $$$...
The people I see paying for that kind of 1 on 1 private training are more like older people who want to workout and hit pads with someone and not ever spar... they wanna learn boxing but not usually fight. All the young guys who wanna fight get time with the trainer and don’t pay for it, might not be a full 1 hour to yourself several times per week, but enough to advance you to where you might wanna go.

[Boxnation fan]

Possibly think about swtching to another Gym if there's any more local to you.

You should definitely be taught be the basics and given a few minutes each session on your technique, foot movement and how to throw punches properly.

If there's any women who train at your gym, you should ask them if they could show you a few of the basics and once you get to know them then ask some of the men the same thing.

Watch what other more experienced boxers in the gym are doing as you will learn as much by watching then doing sometimes.

[Richard P]

You should be shown at least the basics. Jab, cross, lead hook. Stance and movement

[Eddy Current]

Here's my experience.

I went to a gym for about a year that held a daily 1hr class, then after the class the instructor was (usually) done and left, but you could stay and work on stuff or spar if you wanted.
The classes ranged from just me to about 8 people. When it was just me it was the best as it was like a private lesson and the instructor would work me til I was dead. But otherwise the class consisted of warming up, some shadowboxing where the instructor would walk around and correct things with our form. Then there would be some mitt work where we would work on certain combinations, some rounds on the heavy/uppercut/double end bag where the instructor would go around and correct form and give advice.
Then usually some strength/conditioning circuits toward the end of the class. Occasionally we would spar during the class too.

I had an awesome experience and really felt like I knew what I was doing by the time I stopped going. I moved is the only reason I stopped, and ended up just going to a normal fitness center rather than another boxing gym.

[McNulty]

SNIP

Very unusual. You're getting ripped off. Find a boys club or a community gym. They're always free.

[OctoberRed]

At most gyms there are always trainers and members who are looking to make side money any way they can, either lessons or workout plans or supplements.