Anyone who knows me knows I love a boxing class. Admittedly, I’ve never been to a space that purists would call a “real” boxing gym, but I’m well-acquainted with the plethora of boutique boxing studios in New York City. Name any given, and odds are good I’ve worked out my frustrations on an ex situation there.
These studios always have a carefully curated atmosphere (dimmed lighting, killer beats) that isn’t easy to replicate at home; Creating a YouTube video to shadowbox your living room just doesn’t add the same vibe. So it was with cautious optimism that I decided to give it a try FightCampa popular one boxing system at home with thousands of boxing, kickboxing, strength and cardio training. And to my surprise, I really liked it. Forward, my honest feelings and review.
What I like about FightCamp
My first impression of FightCamp was positive, largely because the initial setup was quick and easy. The starter kit includes a standing punching bag, console, wrist and ankle wraps, heart rate monitor, gloves and four rechargeable motion trackers that you slip into the covers for an interactive workout.
Before the first session, plug the console into an outlet and HDMI port on your TV and download the FightCamp app on a smart device. From there, you create an account, sign up for a membership, and answer a few questions about your goals/boxing experience to get personalized recommendations. If you don’t want to use a TV, you can also watch the workouts on your smart device instead. I found the process pretty simple and straight forward – and I’m not a techie.
Once you’re done, you can filter the workouts in the app by duration, type, and difficulty level (beginner, intermediate, or open). I tried every type but focused on boxing and kickboxing as that is what FightCamp is best known for. Each training session included a warm-up and some basic combinations. I appreciated that the warm-ups were effective in gradually lowering me and getting my heart rate up before the actual workout (something not every boutique studio class manages to do). The workouts themselves were also challenging, but included enough rest where I didn’t feel winded.
One of the aspects of FightCamp that I really liked was the accuracy of the tracking compared to other interactive workouts I’ve tried. During boxing and kickboxingthe number of punches/kicks you throw and the power you put behind your movements is reflected in a score in the corner of the screen. Both numbers appeared correct and appeared without delay.
What is worth noting about FightCamp
One of the most obvious disadvantages of home boxing is that you miss out on the personal form critique you would get from personal instruction. Although to be fair, I’ve also been in high volume boxing classes where the instructors didn’t give any individual feedback.
FightCamp has programming that covers the basics, allowing beginners to learn the basics in shape. There are tutorials in the app that break down things like the mechanics of the stance and how you should generate momentum or transfer your weight at each point in a given maneuver.
I still believe that the most effective way to learn boxing technique is to work with a personal trainer who can watch you and correct your form in real time. But FightCamp has the most in-depth instruction I’ve seen in an at-home option.
Who is FightCamp best for?
While FightCamp has beginner training and tutorials, I still think it’s best reserved for people who have taken at least a few boxing classes. It’s a pretty big investment (more on that later), so it’s worth confirming you even like boxing before buying the system.
Some people prefer to exercise with the encouragement of a trainer or instructor; others prefer self-motivated workouts. FightCamp is best suited to the latter group. It does have an element of gamification – you can compete against a bot during training sessions – but you have to hold yourself accountable. I was sufficiently motivated to complete the workouts (this article, for one), but I wasn’t pushing myself to the extent that I would have in a high-octane group training environment with an instructor who could actually see me. That said, if you’re a self-motivated queen and prefer home training, FightCamp provides a great workout, detailed instruction, and just as much fun as some in-person classes.
Just make sure you have enough space in your house before you buy. FightCamp is better for people with extra office space or a more spacious home gym. If you live in a quaint studio apartment like I do, a punching bag takes up a lot of valuable real estate.
Is FightCamp worth paying?
The FightCamp starter pack ($800, originally $1000) isn’t cheap. If you’re looking to save some money, there’s also a $400 package that includes everything but the bag. Upfront cost aside, you also have to pay $39 per month for the membership to access the training.
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According to my girl math, if you’re in the habit of booking one-off lessons at boutique boxing gyms (which can cost $35+ in cities), and you see yourself transitioning to more home workouts in the long run, FightCamp is probably worth the initial expense. I also think FightCamp makes financial sense for those who really enjoy boxing/kickboxing, but prioritize convenience and/or don’t live near a boxing gym or studio.
Additional details
- FightCamp has a multiplayer element. You can complete a workout and then send it to another FightCamp member and see if they beat your score.
- If you buy a FightCamp bag, you must fill it with sand, water, or both. The base holds 350 lbs. sand or 250 lbs. of water.
- You can also purchase additional accessories that are not included in the starter kit, such as a tile to protect your floor or a noise-reducing sleeve that goes around the bag.
Rating: ★★★★
