A1 Boxing & Fitness

I’ve gone to A1 Boxing in Aurora a few times now and I have to say that it’s a good place. First off, it’s located south of the intersection of E. Alameda Pwy. and Buckley Rd./Airport Rd., where Buckley changes over to Airport Rd. heading north bond. In seeing some of the previous reviews, I have to COMPLETELY DISAGREE with folks saying that it’s not the most pleasant of areas. The area has fields and Buckley AFB north of the intersection, and south of it are plazas (restaurants, stores, etc.) and residential neighborhoods; as well as the Post Office right at the intersection. Maybe some folks are looking for similar demographics as other areas in the Denver metro (like Cherry Creek), but the great thing about Aurora is that it has various demographics scattered through out itself; I suggest that people occasionally to step out of their norm from time to time to experience a change of scenery. Secondly, this is a combat-​based gym, meaning the gym has fighters and boxers that train there; that may seem intimidating to some folks, but understand that most everyone in these types of gyms are supportive of helping everyone reach their goals and to improve themselves. Third, the workout was great!!! I took a class and had a great workout; plus, the trainers (even trainers that weren’t teaching the class were helping out) their really worked with everyone to help them learn and improve upon their technique. In addition to taking a class, I later had a one-​on-​one session with one of the members/​trainers so I could work on my fundamentals (footwork, punching, etc.) to improve my own technique. I have to say that I’m really pleased with the session! The member (Tim) is clearly knowledgeable about boxing and is helping me to improve at it. For me, I actually have another membership at another gym, so I don’t want to have multiple memberships all over, but I will be dropping into A1 from time to time for one-​on-​ones (it cost $ 15 for a «drop-​in», like a daily rate at some gyms). I recommend that people try a class (new people get to try out a class for free) and talk to the trainers to see how they can help you reach your personal goals. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to make sure people got a thorough explanation from me. :-) BK

Good workout facility but the man who greets you is intimidating and sarcastic, not a fun experience.

This is a tough review. I loved the workout I received at this place, but the place itself isn’t fantastic.
If you’ve ever seen a boxing movie, this place looks just like the gym in that movie (for example, think Million Dollar Baby). It’s also not in the best part of town (mid-​northern Aurora) so I don’t think I’d want to show up to a class by myself. There aren’t locker rooms, just some lockers you can grab while you’re there and restrooms. I recommend bringing your own gloves too, because the loaner ones are kinda nasty. You have to buy your own handwraps for sanitary reasons. Those cost around $ 10 for a pair.
On the other hand, the workout I got there kicked my butt. We started off running around the parking lot, then did sets of lunges, jumps and footwork. Then we moved to the heavy bags and did some actual boxing. Then back to jumping jacks and footwork. Then more boxing. Another run around the parking lot to «cool down». Then it was time for ab work. Get the idea? My friend and I were drenched in sweat by the time we left. The instructor was really nice too. Huge guy that kind of intimidated us to start, but took the time to work with us and kept encouraging us to keep going.
Based just on the location. I’d give it 2 stars, but the workout is more like 4 stars, so I’m averaging it out to 3. If you get a membership there they have a few cardio machines in addition to the heavy bags and ring. And they’ve started offering some yoga classes as well (but they’re in the middle of the day during the week). Drop in classes are $ 15, and they have plans too.