Empower Boxing Boot Camp: 12 Rounds of Striking Beauties Are Gonna Knock You Out!

A few weeks ago I wrote about attending a special 12 Rounds Boxing Boot Camp class presented by Empower Fitness and led by four-time World Champion boxer Jamie “The Hurricane” Clampitt of Striking Beauties, which is a women’s boxing gym based in North Attleboro, Mass. Recently, those same folks sent me their 12 Rounds Boxing Boot Camp Kit that included a 12 Rounds workout DVD, a jump rope, a six-pound sand-filled toning ball and a pair of neoprene weighted gloves (one pound apiece).

Let me first say that this is one heck of a workout for an excellent price! The 12 Rounds Boxing Boot Camp Kit sells for $39.99, and you can find it at Kohl’s, Modells and Dick’s. The DVD features a 30-minute boxing-style workout, which includes a jump rope section for cardio (or just jog in place if you don’t have a jump rope) a series of punches that get progressively more difficult, your basic squats and then, my favorite—a section where you throw punches followed immediately by push-ups—ouch! There is also a separate abs section for those seeking an additional core workout—although throwing the punches in a proper stance will seriously work your abs, back and shoulders.

The weighted gloves are comfortable to wear and will have your biceps and shoulders begging for mercy after doing nonstop punches, jabs and left hooks. The six-pound toning ball will help make your squats tougher to perform for reals. Jamie, being a total bad-ass, demonstrates this by extending her arms and holding the ball out for the entire sequence. Like whoa.

I’ve tried the workout three times so far and every single time I’ve been able to work up a great amount of sweat. Speaking as a boxing newbie—I did have to go back to the beginning section each time to relearn the different types of punches demonstrated by Jamie. Love that she breaks them down on the DVD! There are modifications provided depending on your level of fitness, and Jamie is accompanied by two able cohorts throughout the workout. One of them performs at more of a beginner level and for the left-handed folks out there, the other maintains the “southpaw” stance. You can check out a sample of the workout here.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★
Music: ★★1/2
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★1/2

Fit Bottomed Line: Overall, this is an excellent workout and already I am noticing more definition in my arms and shoulders. On a side note, it’s also a nice feeling to know that I really can throw a punch should that ever be necessary—so look out, world!

Have you ever tried any kind of boxing classes? And if so, what is your favorite kind of punch to throw? —Margo