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First thing is ask if they got a free trial class. Then try it. Try as many places as you can that offer a free trial class. This should give you a good indication of the gym vibe. Gym vibe is the most important thing. Next important thing is make sure you can understand what the instructor is teaching and that the instructions are clear and doable and that the coach can adapt to you. Next thing is inquire about the cost per month. Some gyms offer x amount of classes a month or unlimited classes a month depending on membership. Some offer a slight discount if you sign a one year contract with the gym. Make sure you can attend the classes you are paying for. You do this by seeing their class schedule and seeing what you can attend. This will determine what kind of membership you’ll want to pay for. Lastly have fun.
My first boxing lesson I sparred the pros of the gym, head gear, no mouth piece and got my shit rocked and seeing stars but after they welcomed me in like a brother. Not to boost my ego but I caught some of them legit and they liked I was tough and semi competent at the time. Must add I trained at an old school gym no fancy equipment nothing. Just like 2 sets of pads, no bags, just a padded room with one day to enter and leave with guys who wanna box and get good. A fucking hot box we called it.
It’ll take time to see progress. But you gotta realize too. Coaches are just a guide, it’s on you to gain mastery. A coach can’t just give you all the mastery. He shows you the way. You must walk it. And hey it’s things don’t work out find another gym. You’ll be at a somewhat better level and new coaches can work off of what you learned already.