LINCOLN PARK — Lincoln Park's newest fitness center has nearly three tons of punching bags.
The first Chicago location of Title Boxing Club opened in late April on Clark Street offering a unique option in the fitness arena.
The gym focuses more on workout classes than it does on actual fighting, but those classes include simulated rounds on the center's 55 heavy bags.
The 7,500-square-foot gym at 2417 N. Clark St. has a full-sized ring in the back, but it is used mainly for personal training.
There will be no sparring or one-on-one bouts. Instead, boxing is used as a vehicle for a whole body workout, according to Jacob Johnson, general manager of the center.
A typical group boxing class involves each participant taking on his or her own heavy bag and going eight three-minute rounds.
The instructor will give directions for each round such as a jab-cross combo, and later will involve kicks.
In between rounds participants take a one minute "active" rest, which could involve squats or some sort of stationary activity, before the bell rings and they get back to hitting the bag.
It's a full body workout along with the intense cardio aspect.
"It's one of those workouts where you don't even realize the muscles you are working," Johnson said.
So far about 60 to 70 percent of the participants have been women.
"Females are a little smarter," Johnson said. "They are less ego driven."
Monthly memberships are $100 per month and include unlimited classes and use of a small cardio and free-weight area.
A second Title Boxing Club is under construction in the West Loop.
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