Shadowbox

We’re always exploring new workouts and ways to get fit, and we LOVE when we find a workout that’s the perfect combo of fun and kick ass.

Shadowbox is our new fav! This boutique fitness boxing studio uses intense shadowboxing (how boxers prepare for a match to find rhythm and technique) and guided bag work to create a seriously legit workout.

High-energy music and low lighting help you get into the zone and stay focused on your workout. At the end of a 45-minute session, you can burn up to 1000 calories! Sign us up!

Shadowbox also offers high intensity private training in their super chic vintage boxing ring to focus on mitt work, footwork, and body movement.

But don’t expect to spar or any macho boxing smack talk - you won’t be starring in the next reboot of Rocky. Shadowbox focuses on fitness boxing, not contact, and they aren’t a typical boxing gym so expect kindness and positivity no matter your shape, size or experience!

We sat down with the Creative Team + Kick Ass Instructors, Julie (Jaws) Nelson and Annah Kessler to learn more about the studio and why you should check it out.

 

by CHLOE.: Introduce yourself.

Julie (Jaws) Nelson + Annah Kessler: We’re Julie (“Jaws”) and Annah - together we make up the creative team at Shadowbox. We’re both also instructors.

 

bC: What was the inspiration behind creating Shadowbox?

JN + AK: Our owner, Dan Glazer, is an avid boxer and a huge fan of the craft. He saw an opportunity to bring the craft of boxing to a group fitness atmosphere that had the amenities of other boutique group fitness studios. The goal of Shadowbox is to make boxing accessible at all levels and to all types of people.

 

bC: What is “shadowboxing”?

JN + AK: Shadowboxing is a training tool to work on your punches, defense, and footwork without any equipment. Often used as a warm up, you punch the air focusing on rhythm, speed and technique.

 

bC: How does Shadowbox differ from other boxing gyms/studios?

JN + AK: Shadowbox is a group class mixing shadowboxing (no contact), heavy bag work and body weight exercises (variations of plyometric/metabolic work) with intense training intervals led by professional instructors. All movements are paired with high-energy music that inspires and motivates; always without fighting or physical contact. A dimly lit studio environment lets clients focus within their own personal space and challenge themselves to exceed their personal limits. In a single session one can expect to burn approximately 800 to 1000+ calories.

 

bC: What are the benefits of Shadowbox compared with other fitness routines?

JN + AK: Boxing is a true full body workout, both anaerobic and aerobic. It challenges everything from coordination, strength, speed, agility, rhythm and even your mind.

 

 

bC: For those new to boxing, is Shadowbox easy to pick up?

JN + AK: The great thing about the Shadowbox class, is that it’s as hard as you make it for yourself. With any craft, it takes time to build your skill and endurance, but we try to create an atmosphere that is conducive to all levels.

 

bC: How often do you recommend incorporating Shadowbox into a fitness regimen?

JN + AK: It really depends on what your fitness goals are. Shadowbox is a great full body workout, so you’re going to get both cardio and strength training out of our classes. Most Shadowbox clients frequent our classes multiple times a week.

 

bC: Your punching bags and gloves are made from synthetic vegan leather. What led you to choose these materials?

JN + AK: We are constantly recycling our rental gloves and replacing them with fresh pairs. Synthetic leather proved to be a more efficient choice for our rental system, and it’s eco friendly!

 

bC: You’re located near our new Flatiron location. What are some favorite neighborhood spots you could recommend?

JN + AK: We love to walk on the Highline to catch some fresh air during a stressful day. For the perfect post dinner or late night drink spot, check out The Clock Tower.

 

bC: What’s your favorite dish at by CHLOE.?

JN + AK: The Guac Burger and Kale Caesar are to die for!

 

bC: What does “Eat well. Eat with purpose.” mean to you?

JN + AK: It’s important, especially as athletes, to eat in order to fuel our bodies rather than to fill our stomachs. We think by CHLOE. does a great job of providing food that not only fuels our bodies but also tastes damn good!

 

 

RAPID FIRE

1. Nickname?

AK: AK, Akeezy

JN: JAWS

2. Favorite place on earth?

AK: My bed (with freshly clean sheets)

JN: Phuket, Thailand

3. Go to snack?

AK: Quinoa pudding (quinoa, almond milk, honey and fruit)

JN: Cashews, apple

4. Name one food you can’t live without?

AK: Bananas (and chocolate, obviously)

JN: Ice cream

5. Spirit animal?

AK: Camponotus consobrinus aka the Black sugar ant

JN: Great white – (Get it? Her nickname is Jaws!)

6. Weird personal fact?

AK: I’ve been a vegetarian my entire life, ever since I was a baby.

JN: I can sing and talk with mouth closed

7. Choice super hero power?

AK: Time travel

JN: Shapeshifting

8. Making a movie about your life, who plays you?

AK: I’d love for the whole cast to be played by dogs, “Annah’s Life, A Dog’s Adaption”

JN: Leonardo DiCaprio, because he is committed to his roles. I also want a dude to play me. Lol

9. Stranded on an island, what 3 things do you bring?

AK: A few friends, tools to build a shelter, and a dog

JN: Helicopter, water, cell phone

10. Late night binge?

AK: Are we talking food or netflix? Food: kettle corn. Netflix: murder mystery documentaries

JN: Peanut butter on anything…;-)

11. Top 3 instagram accounts you follow?

AK: @Thedogist, @Dogsbeingbasic, @Shadowboxnyc

JN: @Sharkaddicts, @Shadowboxnyc, @13thwitness

12. Favorite board game?

AK: Mancala. I’ve never lost.

JN: Honestly I don’t really have a fav, not big into boardgames…….if Jumanji was real, definitely that.

13. Juice or smoothie?

AK: Smoothie, all day everyday (literally, I drink smoothies everyday, sometimes twice a day).

JN: Smoothie