Women's Boxing in Shellharbour: Everything You Need to Know

You've thought about it.

Maybe for weeks. Maybe for months. You've seen the videos on Instagram. You've watched other women hitting pads and thought "I'd love to try that." But then the next thought comes in: "I wouldn't know what I'm doing. Everyone there would be fitter than me. I'd look stupid."

So you keep scrolling.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. It's the exact same thing almost every woman says before she walks into Box & Breathe in Shellharbour for the first time. And it's the exact same thing they laugh about a month later when they can't imagine not coming.

It's Real Boxing. Just at Your Pace.

The women's program at Box & Breathe isn't a watered down version of boxing. You're learning real combinations, real footwork, real technique. You're hitting pads with a coach. You're building skill.

The difference is the intensity. The sessions are designed to challenge you without burying you. You'll work hard. You'll sweat. But you won't feel like you're drowning in a room full of people who've been doing this for years.

Think of it like this: same sport, same skills, but the volume is turned to a level that matches where you're at. And as you get fitter and more confident, the volume goes up with you.

Your Coach Is a State Champion

The women's program is coached by Erin. And her story is worth knowing.

Erin walked into Box & Breathe years ago going through personal troubles. She wasn't looking to become a boxer. She just wanted something for herself. Something to pour her energy into. Something that would make her feel strong again.

She started with cardio style sessions. Just getting fit, having fun, learning the basics. Then she moved into the regular classes. Then she started competing.

She's now a state champion boxer and multiple time Golden Gloves winner.

That's the woman coaching your first session. Someone who started exactly where you are. Someone who knows what it's like to walk through the door nervous and unsure. Someone who built herself back up through boxing and now helps other women do the same.

She's also the one who organizes coffee after the Saturday morning session. Because the program isn't just about boxing. It's about the women in the room.

Who's Actually in the Room

If you're picturing a room full of 22-year-old athletes, stop. The women's class at Box & Breathe has members from 18 to their 60s. Mums, working women, students, retirees. Some have never thrown a punch. Some have been coming for years.

Nobody cares what you look like. Nobody cares how fit you are. Everyone started somewhere. The culture Erin has built is supportive and genuine. You'll feel it the moment you walk in.

From Women's Only to "I Can't Stop Coming"

One of our members, Sofia, started with personal training sessions because she wasn't ready for a group class. When she felt comfortable, she moved into the women's only program. Trained there for a while. Built her confidence. Learned the fundamentals.

Now? She's a regular in the mixed boxing classes and sometimes trains multiple times a day.

Nobody pushed her. Nobody told her she had to move up. She just got to a point where she wanted more, and the pathway was there. That's how the program is designed. The women's class isn't a ceiling. It's a starting point. Where you go from there is up to you.

What a Session Looks Like

Here's exactly what happens so there are no surprises:

Warm up. Get the body moving. Skipping, shadow boxing, light drills.

Technique. Erin teaches a combination or skill for the session. She demonstrates it, breaks it down, and walks you through it step by step.

Pad work. You pair up with a coach or partner and practice what you've learned on the pads. This is where it clicks. Hitting something with proper technique feels incredible.

Drills. Cardio and boxing specific drills to build fitness and sharpen what you've learned.

Cool down. Stretch, breathe, done.

Coffee (Saturdays). The Saturday 7:30am crew sticks around for coffee after the session. It's become a thing.

When and Where

The women's boxing program runs:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:00pm

Saturday at 7:30am

Women can also attend the strength and mobility program:

Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:00pm

Friday at 6:00am

All sessions are at Box & Breathe, Ron Costello Oval, Mary Street, Shellharbour NSW 2529.

What to Bring

Water. That's it.

We provide wraps for your first session. We have gloves you can use, but we'd recommend getting your own pair once you're coming regularly. Community gloves get a workout.

Wear something comfortable you can move in. Runners are fine.

How It Compares

If you're looking at other options in Shellharbour, here's the honest difference.

Fernwood has boxing classes, but it's a general fitness gym that includes boxing as one of many class formats. The instructors rotate and boxing is a cardio add-on, not the core focus.

At Box & Breathe, boxing IS the focus. Your coach is a state champion boxer who has dedicated years to the sport. You're learning real technique from someone who has done it at the highest level and who started exactly where you're starting now.

And it's $50 a week for unlimited access to everything. Not just the women's program. Boxing, strength and mobility, breathwork, BJJ, personal training access. No lock-in contract. No joining fee.

"But I'm Not Fit Enough"

You don't get fit to start boxing. You start boxing to get fit.

Every single woman in the program had a first day where she didn't know the moves, didn't know anyone, and almost talked herself out of coming. Now they're the ones encouraging the next first-timer.

The door is the hardest part. After that, it's just boxing, good people, and coffee on Saturdays.

Try It This Week

Your first class is free. No payment details. No sign-up on the day. No pressure.

Show up. Try it. See how you feel. If it's for you, great. If it's not, no hard feelings.

BOOK YOUR FREE WOMEN'S BOXING TRIAL

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7pm | Saturday 7:30am

$50/wk unlimited. No lock-in. No joining fee.

Box & Breathe | Ron Costello Oval, Mary Street, Shellharbour NSW 2529

→ Book your free trial at boxandbreathe.com/free-trial