There are few things better in this life than a gym that comes with its own bar. Except, perhaps, a gym that comes with a bar that also has an enormous commitment to the local community and supporting charities. What’s not to love? That’s why we have a particular soft spot for boxing gym and fitness centre Golden Gloves, which recently relocated to a swanky new location on Wuding Lu.
This boxing-focussed sports centre has beer on tap and a range of alcoholic refreshments, as well as charity events and community fundraising nights, and even gives over its space to local children’s sports groups at the weekend.
The spacious new gym is an upgrade from their previous home on Xinqiao Lu, but with the same friendly feeling and dedication to boxing. That sense of community was the inspiration behind the centre’s ringside bar, encouraging patrons to stick around and hang out after their workout.
Golden Gloves boasts an impressive pedigree of dedicated boxing trainers too, including Chris Xiong, who was Shanghai’s Boxing Champion for four consecutive years, and was even trained himself by the Chinese national team. Classes include group workouts, boot camps, personal training and ladies-only nights, as well as options for hen parties and other boxing-themed merriment.
Golden Gloves also hosts charity boxing nights and is the force behind white collar boxing event Brawl on the Bund. In short yes, it’s a gym, but it’s also a lot of fun.
Golden Gloves 4F, 969 Wuding Lu, near Jiaozhou Lu, Jingan district. Three-month membership 3,388RMB; six-month 4,888RMB. 500RMB per personal training session. Visit goldenglovesgym.com for more information.
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