TLDR: Love the gym, coaches, staff, & community. 10/10…read more
I walked into Prevail in 2017, and 9 years (and 1,324 classes as of this morning) later, I'm still showing up. I am leaving Los Angeles for the UK next spring, and honestly, one of the biggest things I am going to miss is coming to Prevail. Second might be a proper breakfast burrito and taco trucks, but first is definitely Prevail.
Prevail is a great way to start your day, or end it if it's been a particularly stressful one. Before class, you're chatting with the friends you've made, and after class begins you're only thinking about the minute you are in. Anything you were worried about disappears because you can only focus on the present.
And when things finally start to click for you on a specific punch, counter, defense, or footwork move... Or when you used to grab your knees desperate for air but now you can knock out 20 burpees in a minute... That's the dopamine hit you're looking for.
VIBES
Prevail is great for first-timers or returning champions. The front desk staff always welcomes you when you walk in, and if you're new, they will get you set-up and make sure you're not just tossed into the deep end.
The coaches all have their unique style, but they always bring fun, energy, and experience to every class. They're never impatient with you if you're not doing something quite right, or aggressively shouting at you to do more. There has never been a coach I have not liked, or more accurately, I love 'em all. ;-)
The community of members is a wide range of ages, fitness levels, and boxing experience. But aside from all that, it's basically a big group of cool folks. And there's definitely no toxic bro vibe. No one is judging what you can or can't do. Everyone is super supportive of each other.
I've actually made quite a few friends that I've seen outside of class. (Or in typical LA fashion, we've exchanged numbers with the intent to hang out but then never do. But that's on us, not the gym. )
CLASSES
SWEAT classes focus on pushing you physically (it's called "SWEAT" for a reason) but also give you a chance to work combinations on the heavy bag and mitt work with the coaches (and sometimes other gym members will jump in and mitt so everyone gets more mitt time). And the coaches are always trying to find ways to keep the classes fresh since it would be easy to just put them on auto-pilot.
BOX classes have a mix of technique and fitness with a focus on fundamentals. There is a big picture intention behind the structure and path of the classes that goes beyond a single day class. That said, you can show up on any day to get to work without having been to any of the previous classes. BOX classes definitely give you the opportunity to elevate your skill level.
SPAR is where you can truly work on your technique, but you will also be working hard. You will need headgear, cup, and mouthpiece. I know some gyms are a free-for-all, but Prevail fosters a collaborative and safer vibe. The coaches will tell you that you are not trying to win a fight or hurt your partner. You are both trying to get better. They will also remind you that it is up to you to communicate with your partner on the intensity you want to work at.
*****
If you're looking for a new way to get in shape, build confidence, and make friends while you do it, come check out Prevail.
P.S. I sometimes mitt Lolo's Friday 8am class, so say hi to the gray-haired, sweaty guy holding the mitts for you.