Your First Boxing Class in Sioux Falls: What to Expect

Boxing is the art of punching and not getting punched — footwork, head movement, distance and timing, built on four basic punches. In a beginner class the work happens on pads, bags and in the air. Sparring is a separate, opt-in part of the program that comes much later, and only when you and your coach agree you're ready.

• A t-shirt or tank and athletic shorts or joggers.
• Clean indoor training shoes — boxing is a shoes-on sport.
• Hand wraps if you have them. If not, tell the coach and we'll get you set up.

• A water bottle — the mats get warm and classes move.
• A towel and a change of clothes if you're heading back to work.
• Your ID or your parent, if you're under 18 and it's your first visit.

Skip these on day one

• Buying expensive gloves before your first class — we have loaner gloves you can use.
• Heavy jewelry and watches.
• Any expectation of sparring. You will not spar on day one.

1. 1. Arrive 10–15 minutes early

   Before class

   Sign your waiver, meet the coach, and get your hands wrapped. Wrapping hands takes a few minutes the first time — a coach or a teammate will show you how.

2. 2. Warm-up and shadowboxing

   First 10–15 min

   Jump rope or footwork drills, then shadowboxing in the mirror. This is where you learn stance and how to move — the two things everything else is built on.

3. 3. Technique work

   15–20 min

   The coach teaches a combination and the defense that goes with it. You'll drill it slowly, in the air first, then on the pads or a bag with a partner.

4. 4. Bag rounds and conditioning

   15–20 min

   Timed rounds on the heavy bag applying what you just learned, mixed with conditioning. Work at whatever intensity you can hold — nobody's counting your output.

5. 5. Cool down and questions

   Last 5 min

   Stretch, unwrap, and ask the coach what to work on next. First-timers usually leave with one specific thing to focus on.

• Wrap your hands every session — it protects your wrists and knuckles long-term.
• Control your power on the pads. Good boxing is sharp, not wild.
• If a combination isn't clicking, slow it down instead of speeding it up.
• Wipe down gear you borrowed before you put it away.

Times can change for holidays and events — the live schedule is always current.

Will I get hit in my first boxing class?

No. Beginner classes are pads, bags and shadowboxing. Sparring at Next Edge Academy happens in dedicated Friday sessions and is entirely opt-in, only after a coach says you're ready.

What gear do I need to start boxing?

Just training shoes and workout clothes for your first class — we have loaner gloves. Once you commit, hand wraps and your own gloves are the first two purchases, and both are in our pro shop.

Do I need to be fit to start boxing?

No. Rounds are timed, so you work in intervals and rest between them. Scale the intensity to what you can do and your conditioning will follow within a few weeks.

How do I wrap my hands?

Come 10 minutes early and a coach will walk you through it. Most people have it memorized after three or four sessions.

Is boxing good for weight loss?

It's one of the best conditioning workouts we offer, and unlike a treadmill you're learning a skill the whole time — which is why people actually keep showing up.

Is the first class free?

Yes — your first boxing class is free, and you can book it online before you come in.

Still have a question? Call 605-250-1339 or send us a message.

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