March 22, 2017
Spring Training in NoMad: Beat the Winter Blues
Photo by Dan Chace
Judging by the grayish snow banks and icy footing still with us, it might not seem like spring has arrived, but it’s here.
Warmer weather and much less clothing are in the not-so-distant future, so if you’re in the mood to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, and not look so frumpy in your sun dress or khaki shorts, NoMad has the perfect remedy to beat the winter blues for good: Boxing — the “Sweet Science.”
To become The Greatest, all you need is to head into any of these neighborhood gyms, wrap up, and jab away the winter pounds.
Mendez Boxing
23 East 26th Street (On the corner of Madison Avenue)
mendezboxing.com
Jump-rope your way over to Mendez Boxing for a free group class designed with first-timers in mind. Learn the basic jab, hook, uppercut, straight punches, footwork and breathing necessary to last one excruciating three-minute round. If you’re a seasoned vet and have mastered the basic techniques, you can pop in to work out for just $25. Soon-to-be-Hall-of-Fame coach Freddie Roach stopped in to workout one of his fighters, Zou Shiming, last year, so while you’re sweating the basics, you might just be in the presence of boxing celebrities.
Supreme Team Boxing
5 West 30th Street (Between 5th Avenue and Broadway)
supremeteamboxing.com
A few blocks northwest, Supreme Team Boxing boasts locations in: Long Island City; Hollywood, Florida; and a neighborhood that’s a true knockout – NoMad. Celebrity Coach Nelson has trained the likes Fat Joe, heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, Brandy Norwood, and soon to be legend: You.
Kingsway Gym
1 West 28th Street (Between 5th Avenue and Broadway)
kingswaygym.com
Kingsway offers that gritty old-school feel that one needs to fully embrace the sport: shiny wood floors, walls festooned with boxing pictures, and the heady scent of hard work. You’ll be in good hands – or mitts – with its founder, Michael Olajide, a former Nigerian lightweight champion and veteran of 76 professional bouts.
Evolution Muay Thai
12 West 27th Street (Between 6th Avenue and Broadway)
evolutionmuaythai.com
Variety is key to a complete workout, so for those go-getters who aren’t satisfied with just throwing hands can learn to throw their feet, too. Opened in 2006 by Aussie Muay Thai coach, Brandon Levi, the all-inclusive gym offers everything from kickboxing to Brazilian jiu jitsu, wrestling, and judo classes.
Happy training! See you at the beach!