Feeling a bit of rage? In these Charlotte workouts, you can take a swing and let it out
Everywhere we turn, there’s something to be stressed about — politics, work, relationships and family — and let’s not even get started on the pressure of the holidays. Collectively, we are not OK. And sometimes you just want to punch something.
All that can weigh on a person, and finding a release valve for all that steam is pretty important. Chronic stress can stir up other health problems, and there’s enough to worry about already.
Back in the early 2000s, I was flung into a high-stress job with a work partner who we’ll kindly say was slightly less than stable and complicated things further. Soon after, I found myself channeling some extra frustration into kickboxing-style step aerobics and punching bags.
Did getting ragey solve all my problems? No, but it sure did give me a healthy outlet for self-care, long before that was even a buzzword. Now, there are even more options for anger release, such as boxing gyms where you can safely punch it out and rage rooms where you can smash it out.
Here are a few options you can consider for ways to let out your stress, vent your anger and get out some of that pent-up rage weighing you down in the Charlotte area:
BOXING
9Round
Location: Multiple
With 13 locations in the Charlotte area — including studios in Concord, Huntersville, Gastonia, Matthews and Waxhaw — you’re likely to find a 9Round nearby. There are no class times, so you show up when you’re ready for semi-private instruction with functional movements and high-intensity kickboxing techniques.
Arrichion Hot Yoga
Location: 125 Winona St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Arrichion’s a go-to spot for hot yoga — which is also great for dealing with stress. But when you’re not feeling so zen, its MMA Yoga class just might be the ticket. It blends high intensity yoga with light dumbbells and incorporates techniques from mixed martial arts training, such as the instructor walking around with a shield and things to punch. Another option is the Tigers Eye class, which is half circuit class, half hot yoga.
Charlotte Boxing Academy
Location: 1225 Remount Road, Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Boxing Academy is a public-private partnership run on donations that primarily targets youth, but adult programs exist, too. Evening boxing conditioning training takes place for all ages, and competitive adult coaches work with ages 18-40.
Contenders Boxing and Fitness
Location: 1405 Tyvola Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Contenders says it straight up: “There is no better way to rid yourself stress than physical exertion like only boxing provides,” adding, “When you complete the program, good luck to the person who tries to test you!” The program is all one on one, without fancy gym equipment. You’ll learn boxing with weights, ropes and a ring.
Dyme Boxing & Fitness
Location: 4560 Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
If you’ve got some fight in you, Dyme Boxing offers a mindset of “discipline and mental strength” that can get you through a tough time. Classes are separated out into boxing training — where you’re conditioned to perform under pressure but don’t have to spar — and boxing F.I.T. — designed to improve your cardio endurance and strength.
Gritbox
Location: 2151 Hawkins St #140, Charlotte, NC 28203
Gritbox classes are half strength and half kickboxing, with your first class free and free gloves for first-timers. Its 45-minute workout sessions are designed to “ignite your inner badass” as you punch, kick and elbow the heavy bags through half of the classes’ eight rounds.
Madabolic
Location: 2115 East 7th St., Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28204
Location: 2315 North Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 2610 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209
Madabolic is all about building strength, and that includes a little punching now and then. After all, its team says, “Striking = the ultimate form of stress release.” Another point the team touts that’s giving “Revenge Body” vibes a la Khloe Kardashian: “MAD’lll make ya stronger, sexier, and harder to kill.”
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness (coming soon)
Location: 525 N. Ellis Lane, Suite 101, Charlotte, NC, 28202
It’s not open just yet, but when Mayweather Boxing + Fitness arrives in Charlotte, you can get in on the principles and workouts that helped Floyd Mayweather become an undefeated world champion boxer. Gloves and wraps will be supplied, and after at least five workouts you can move on to an Advanced Bagwork class. There’s no sparring here, but one-on-one coaching is available.
RockBox
Location: 2041 South Blvd, Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 7415 Waverly Walk Ave F2-3, Charlotte, NC 28277
RockBox workouts merge together the moves from boxing and kickboxing with traditional workouts. Wrap up your wrists like a pro, then get punching and kicking. You can also expect to incorporate kettlebells, dumbbells, benches, pull-up bars and bands.
Rumble Boxing South End
Location: 2100 S. Tyron St, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28203
Rumble “is an opportunity to battle prep,” where you will learn to jab, cross, hook and uppercut — and then you’ll put it to use. Expect heavy beats pumping through the sound system and an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes beginners right along with amateur and professional fighters.
Southpaw Training Center
Location: 13501 Dorman Rd, Pineville, NC 28134
Your first class is free at Southpaw, where boxing champion Jamie McGrath wants to help clients “unlock their mental and physical power.” Her classes are designed to “push you to your limits and beyond,” with skills and drills, sparring and conditioning, and other training moves designed to prepare you for a real fight — even if you don’t plan on actually stepping into the ring.
RAGE ROOMS
House of Purge
Location: 722 Montana Drive, Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28216
At House of Rage, you can take a baseball bat to a car and let it all out in a way that would make Carrie Underwood proud. There are multiple package options, so you can solo, bring a friend or join in with a group of up to 10 people. House of Purge also offers gift cards so you can offer an outlet to someone in need.
Tonic Rage Room
Location: 844 Kathryn Drive SE #10, Concord, NC 28025
Tonic Rage Room offers package selections where you can bring your own breakables or load up on a “psychotherapy” session that includes more than 30 things to smash up. Its group sessions include room for six people, but you can add more — and safety gear is included. Another option to let loose at Tonic is axe and knife throwing.
T-Wrecks
Location: 927 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730
T-Wrecks offers themed smash rooms including “The Cubicle,” “Obnoxious Neighbors,” “Grandma’s House” and “This Holiday Sucks.” There’s even a mobile option that brings a “wreck room” to you. On the lighter side, there’s also a paint splash room so you can take a note from Carrie Fisher and direct your broken heart into art.
