TRIED & TESTED: IBXT at Moreno Boxing

Moreno Boxing offers two types of classes, TIB (Technical Intensive Boxing) and IBXT (Intensive Boxing Cross Training). IBXT is considered to be more full-on than TIB as it combines boxing with a variety of exercises to work your core, agility, strength, general fitness and stamina. Interestingly enough, I thought TIB was more challenging. Read on to find out why.

I’ve been to TIB and IBXT twice now (with a third visit booked in at the time of writing), so I feel like I’ve got a good idea of what both classes are like. They’re both exhausting yet in different ways and it really depends on your personality as to which one you’ll find hardest.

If you’re looking for a workout, then both classes will do the trick. However, IBXT is great if you want to get out that hidden frustration (there’s lots of bag work) and just get into ‘the zone’ and work your body.

I went to the class taken by Adrian Petrick. Hailing from Slovakia, he has a wry sense of humour and means business. As an amateur boxer, he knows the hard work that needs to be put in in order for his clients to get the best results and constantly reassures the group that he’s pushing us for our sakes, not because he’s a sadist. He’s also very skilled at knowing just how far he can push the group before we all collapse in a sweaty heap!

The warm-up usually involves some skipping (I feel a sign of a proper boxing class is if it starts with some time on the ropes), before you quickly transition to a workout which tests your speed. We spent a lot of time doing ladder runs, with and without weights and often in a press-up position. After a warm-up which most people would consider a whole workout in itself, Adrian sets up a circuit.

The circuit is varied – it tests every part of the body, from shoulders, to cardio to abs to legs. Depending on how many people there are, the number of stations can change, but there’s never more than one person on a station at a time. Expect anything from battle ropes, to cycling, to weighted lunges, to V sit-ups, exercises on the TRX, bunny hops and more.

The circuit takes up the majority of the session, with a short core workout at the end before a good stretch. Every minute seems like it’s filled with some kind of exercise which is fantastic for cardio and endurance. Whilst IBXT and TIB are similar in that you work damn hard throughout the session, IBXT is more of a solo fitness session where you work as hard as you push yourself. It’s all dependant on the type of person you are, as to which you work harder in. For me, I have a fear of letting others down (hence the reason why I avoid team sports!) so during TIB I worked 100% throughout the partnered pads section, yet slowed the pace (as much as you can) during IBXT. This may also be something to do with the fact I did back-to-back sessions…

At the end of the session, I was RAVENOUS, but it felt good; the class pushes you hard and Adrian keeps the tempo up perfectly so you don’t even have time to think about stopping. If you’re looking for a full body workout that will shape, strengthen and tone, then you’ve got to try IBXT. 

What you need to know

• Don’t be late. There’s a press-up penalty (number depends on how ‘mean’ your trainer is feeling) if you walk through the door after the class has started.
• Bring wraps. Or buy your own for £10 (or £15 for the camo!)
• Take water or you can buy a bottle there for £1. It is sweaty and you will need to keep hydrated.
• If you take a friend, let them know what they’re letting themselves in for. I took my sister, Rosie along and got evilled the whole way through. But she still managed to smile for the post-workout pic at the end!

Final Thoughts

Even though Moreno Boxing is a fairly small studio, it’s well set-up to cater for a diverse range of activities. And even when a class seems full, there’s enough room for everyone and they’re still small enough for the trainers to be on the lookout for technique. And slackers. It’s not for the faint-hearted but that doesn’t mean those who aren’t used to exercise should avoid this type of class – on the contrary – the trainers are experienced enough to work with people of all levels.

More Information

In a nutshell: An non-stop hour of exercise which will leave you feeling exhausted but exhilarated.  
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants to get fit. Quick.
Where: 1 Bailey Place, Gillett Square, Dalston, N16 8BA
When: I went to the 11am Sunday session but there are classes throughout the week. Check the timetable for more details.
How much: A one-off classes costs £16 but take advantage of the 20 days for £20 offer or buy a bundle. A monthly unlimited subscription starts at £75 for 6 months.
Website: www.morenoboxing.co.uk