One More Round (1MR) recently opened at 2626 Central Ave in the Grand Central District, and offers beginner-friendly, non-judgmental, full mind-body workouts in a high-energy class environment (45 minute sessions). Boxing classes, kickboxing classes, and burn and box classes are available, along with progression options. Kids classes will be added soon, along with fighter training for those who want to progress to contact boxing, but 1MR wants everyone to learn proper technique alongside their coaches and trainers first. Check out the particulars of the class options here.
If you’ve never boxed before, consider the origins of 1MR co-owner Idan Avivi, an unlikely participant in the boxing world. “I was against martial arts. I thought it was too violent,” he says. “But then I went to a Muay Thai class and loved it.”
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Idan says that boxing has been the ultimate fitness regime for him. Idan came to boxing after a lifetime of beach volleyball, 5 years of gymnastics, 3 years of squash, and 5 years of CrossFit. Still, “[because of boxing], my body is in the best shape ever,” says Idan. “And I’m 45 years old.”
All ages and skill levels can take it out on the bag
While the motto of 1MR is “train like a fighter”, 1MR focuses on technique in a beginner-friendly, non-intimidating, non-judgmental way. “In a place like a UFC gym, if you aren’t coming with experience, they may not get you there,” he says. “[at 1MR], you are very focused on the bag, not other people.”
In total, 1MR boasts 30 punching bags, ensuring plenty of space for you to work on your technique, combos, and your heart rate.
1MR stresses technique, proper bag-hitting, and combinations. In addition to working on speed, power, endurance, and stamina, boxing improves more than your physique. “In the end, it’s a martial art. Builds resilience. Builds mindset. A lot of working with the brain—remembering combos. When you have no air in your lungs, you have to remember to jab, cross, hook, or slip and hook,” says Idan. It’s a full mind-body workout, a high-energy class environment.
“Take it out on the bag. Take everything out on the bag. And your mind is free…” he tells me.
Toronto snowbird brings boxing to Central Ave.
Tomer Rotem, founder of 1MR, and co-owner of the 1MR St. Pete location, hails from Toronto, where he opened the first 1MR. “1MR has evolved from Lanna MMA, one of the most prestigious Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing schools in Canada,” according to 1MR’s website. When staying in St. Pete for the season, Tomer wanted another gym where he could box, but also a place for the whole St. Pete community. Partnering with Idan Avivi, together they opened another location on Central Ave..
“…the gym should be more than just a gym. It’s a support group, it’s a gathering place, it’s the new church, a place where you meet friends, adopt a healthy lifestyle, come for entertainment value and community, all rolled into one.”
Check out the facilities at 1MR by perusing their Instagram and lace up your gloves.
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