Kick Your Workout into High Gear: An Instructor’s Review of FightCamp

FightCamp is a virtual fitness platform that combines high quality boxing gear with modern tech to provide an interactive on-demand boxing and kickboxing training experience.

The program is designed to accommodate people of all abilities and experience levels, and the tracking sensors give you real-time data about your punch count and output.

If you’re brand-new to the bag and have never thrown a cross or a side kick in your life, FightCamp’s “paths” will meet you right where you are, with clear, detailed instructions that break down every element of every strike.

On the flip side, if you have some level of experience and are ready to jump into a class, you have that option too.

Either way, you’re in for a sweaty good time and a serious workout.

Share on Pinterest

I spent close to 2 decades teaching cardio kickboxing classes and roughly 5 years as a heavy bag class instructor at a local martial arts academy.

When the opportunity to review FightCamp came along, I jumped at the chance — and I wasn’t alone in my interest.

Two of my four kids have black belts and have since moved on to other activities. They were both thrilled at the idea of getting back on a bag. My husband was also on board for the cross-training element alone.

Clearly, FightCamp was going to be a family thing.

The equipment itself is well made and high quality — I’d even call the white-and-black aesthetic downright stylish — but the app is where FightCamp really shines.

The FightCamp app is available on Apple devices and through Early Access on Google Play for Android devices. We chose to mirror the app from our iPhones to a TV for a larger, more detailed picture.

From the homepage, you have access to everything the program offers. Here’s a breakdown of how the app works.

FightCamp for beginners

For beginners, the app recommends starting with one of FightCamp’s “paths,” structured programs that cover all the basics of boxing or kickboxing.

These classes help you learn everything from your fighter stance to proper technique for all your strikes and kicks. You’ll also meet the instructors, complete drills, and build a foundation of correct technique.

This structured, progressive format is a smart move from the FightCamp crew because it makes FightCamp accessible to stone-cold beginners.

FightCamp classes

If you’re already familiar with the basics, you can jump straight into the classes.

FightCamp offers more than 1,000 classes categorized into the following class types:

• boxing
• kickboxing
• shadowboxing
• strength and conditioning
• core
• drills
• skill tutorials
• dynamic stretching
• recovery

From any of the workout tabs, you can filter by the number of rounds (4–10), instructor, or skill level (open or intermediate).

More than a dozen classes are uploaded each week, so there’s always something new to try. If you want to repeat a class, simply select the “Do It Again” filter option.

Once you select a workout, you’ll get an overview of the class, including the duration, total punch goal, combo level, and whether bodyweight exercises are mixed in.

You can also view specifics about the class breakdown so that you know exactly what to expect, such as the combos you’ll be throwing in each round.

Before a class begins, you have the option to sync your fitness tracker or heart rate monitor.

You can also choose to stream your own music app, listen to FightCamp Radio, or turn the music off entirely. I like that you can toggle the volume prior to class and that the instructor and music volume are separately adjustable.

Another option before pressing start is the workout mode.

You can compete against the FightCamp average, privately compete against another member’s past performance, go up against your previous high score, or forgo the competition element altogether.

If you tend to work harder when you’re in competition mode, then I highly recommend taking advantage of one of the workout modes.

While all classes are prerecorded, the instructors make a point of giving shout-outs to FightClub members throughout the workout.

FightCamp workout stacks

In addition to standard classes, you have the option of workout stacks.

Workout stacks, a standout feature of FightCamp, allow you to add a dynamic warmup before a class and a dedicated abdominal workout afterward.

While classes start with the instructor briefly warming you up before the first round, I found the extra 5- or 10-minute warmup to be a smart addition, because warming up properly is key for injury prevention (1).

The core workout after your bag class is just as thoughtful of an addition, because a strong core is critical for punching power and endurance — and trust me, these workouts are no joke.

Performance stats and tracking

As you navigate the app, you’ll find stats and data relating to your activity, including the number of rounds and punches you’ve thrown, your previous workouts and training days, and your progress over time.

There’s also a “this month vs. last month” comparison, which offers a handy visual for tracking your progress.

Finally, there are achievement badges you can earn, like the first time you hit 5,000 punches or complete 25 workouts. These scale way up, with one impressive achievement badge being awarded for 2 million punches!

There are five trainers you can get to know via introductory videos. However, I’ve taken classes from a few others as well, so new instructors are being added.

All the trainers have impressive backstories with direct boxing or kickboxing experience at a high level. This means you’ll learn the ropes from national champs and undefeated professional MMA fighters.

Each trainer brings their own approach to class, so it’s worth trying workouts from several instructors to find a training style that suits you.

You can choose from among three packages when signing up for FightCamp: Personal, Tribe, and Connect.

Here’s a closer look at each option.

FightCamp Personal

If you’ll be the only one using FightCamp, this is the package you want.

It includes:

• a freestanding heavy bag
• a ring (which helps stabilize the heavy bag during workouts)
• a set of boxing gloves
• quick wraps
• punch trackers

The punch trackers are nifty little devices that connect to the FightCamp app and track your output and punch count. They tuck into the quick wraps, which you wear inside the boxing gloves.

FightCamp Tribe

The Tribe package has everything you need if multiple people in your household plan on using FightCamp regularly.

It comes with everything in the Personal package, plus the following accessories:

• an extra set of quick wraps
• an extra set of boxing gloves
• a pair of kid-size boxing gloves

FightCamp Connect

Already have a heavy bag and gloves? Then this option is for you.

The Connect package comes with just the quick wraps and punch trackers, allowing you to track your output and punch count while using your own equipment.

While I’m impressed with the quality and construction of the FightCamp gear, you could definitely save money with a less-expensive punching bag and gloves.

After all, FightCamp’s technology is found in the punch trackers and the app. So, if your budget is tight, you can keep costs down by looking for secondhand gear and opting for the Connect package.

Also keep in mind that the app is free to download, and the free option offers a few workouts that don’t require punch trackers or a heavy bag.

So, feel free to jump in to a shadow boxing class or a core-shredding ab workout to get a feel for the quality of the workouts before subscribing.

Finally, if you find that you’re just not using FightCamp as often as you’d hoped, you can pause or cancel your membership at any time — no need to return the equipment.

My FightCamp gear arrived in three boxes. One box contained the base, the other had the bag, and the third was filled with gloves, wraps, punch trackers, a workout mat, and a bag ring.

Assembling the equipment was straightforward. In addition to detailed written instructions, there are helpful support videos from FightCamp on YouTube.

You can set up your bag just about anywhere, though you’ll want enough room for punching and kicking. You can use the bag inside or outside, but you should probably store it in a way that protects it from the elements.

1. Setting up the bag ring

To start, you’ll assemble the bag ring, which is a simple Velcro situation.

2. Filling the base

Next, you’ll need to fill the base, which is the biggest headache of the entire assembly.

The FightCamp team strongly recommends filling your base with 350 pounds (158.8 kg) of dry sand, which means you’ll need a funnel, a trip to the local hardware or home improvement store, and some patience.

There’s a second option that involves filling the base with water, which is what we did. Using water results in a weight of 250 pounds (113.4 kg).

While it’s more convenient, 250 pounds (113.4 kg) isn’t heavy enough for us, as we routinely knock our bag off the mat, even with the bag ring. In fact, it’s been such a headache that we’re planning on draining the water and refilling the base with sand.

Avoid our mistake and do it right the first time.

3. Assembling and moving the bag

Once your base is ready, it’s time to assemble the bag. This part is easy: You just slide the top onto the base, strap the flaps over the base lips, and tighten the straps.

If you aren’t keeping your bag in one spot, there’s a trick to moving these things around. Reach up to the top and use your body weight to pull the bag down so it’s angled on one side of the base. From there, roll the bag along the edge of the base to wherever you want it to go.

4. Setting up the app

Setting up the app is a snap. Start by downloading the app onto your iPhone or Android device.

Next, open the app and follow the prompts to make your user profile.

You’ll also get a QR code to send to other members of your household so they can set up their own profiles. This step is important if you want your stats and achievements to be yours and yours alone.

5. Pairing the trackers

Before your first class, you’ll want to charge and pair your punch trackers.

Once they’re fully charged, simply open the app and clap the trackers together twice until one lights up red and the other blue. Click “enable” on your app and voila! Your trackers are paired.

Once you have the bag ready, your profile set up, and your trackers paired, you’re ready to start sweating.

My first class lived up to my expectations, as it was a predictably great heavy bag workout.

After using the app for a few weeks, I’ve found that each instructor does a great job explaining combos and demonstrating technique. In fact, the trainers tick all the boxes that good trainers should: They’re knowledgeable, motivating, enthusiastic, and involved.

I have a competitive streak, so my goal wasn’t just to beat the FightCamp average in a class — I wanted to blow past it and earn a top spot on the leaderboard.

I kept one eye on the FightCamp average and was always listening for the little “ding” indicating that I hit my punch count for the round.

As with any kind of workout, with FightCamp, you get out what you put in.

If you don’t care about beating the average, you could absolutely coast through these classes and barely break a sweat. But if you’re working hard, you’ll get a great workout regardless of whether you’re new to boxing and kickboxing or a seasoned pro.

In a heavy bag or cardio kickboxing class, the sense of competition can be incredibly motivating.

You may only be competing against yourself, trying to strike faster or harder as the round ticks down. Or you may be going for better technique or stronger kicks than the person next to you. Either way, a lot of people tend to work harder when they’re in competition mode.

FightClub fully capitalizes on this, making it hard not to strive to do better each round.

Between the benefits of kickboxing or boxing and the ability to enjoy a challenging workout from the comfort of your living room (or, in my case, the garage), the experience of FightCamp really can’t be beat.

Yes, yes, one thousand times yes.

In the few weeks that we’ve had FightCamp, my family has already put in well over 30 classes, all at times that suit our various schedules — before school, after school, during lunch breaks, late at night, weekend afternoons, whatever works.

It’s a great supplement to the various running/weightlifting/soccer endeavors we all have going on.

Just keep in mind that boxing and kickboxing are high impact activities, so they’re not going to be the best choice for some people.

However, if you’re interested in kickboxing or boxing workouts specifically and you’re deciding between paying for an in-person membership or FightCamp, go with the latter.

You’ll get the benefits of an in-person experience with extra perks, like 24/7 availability and tech that tracks your efforts.

Even with the up-front and ongoing costs, the benefits of FightCamp outweigh the drawbacks.

Striking a heavy bag builds muscle, tightens your core, improves balance, increases stamina and endurance, and develops coordination. Not many other workouts can say the same.

Plus, the 3-minute boxing round format means these are high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, which have a long list of benefits, including improving measures of fitness, blood pressure levels, body composition, and more (2).

There’s also the mental aspect. Research suggests that HIIT workouts can help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety (3).

I searched for home boxing workouts, and although Google suggested millions of possibilities, there’s really nothing quite like FightCamp.

Still, if you’re looking for boxing and kickboxing workouts you can do at home, there are a few options out there.

Here’s a look at how FightCamp compares with two popular programs: Nexersys N3 Elite and TITLE Boxing Club On Demand.

The Nexersys N3 Elite isn’t a punching bag. Instead, it’s designed as a virtual boxing partner, with three pads for strikes and a screen for video training instruction.

It features motion detection software to track your strikes and combos. However, you’re limited to jabs, crosses, and knee strikes.

The device uses animated videos rather than recorded studio classes, so it has a video game-like vibe. It also lacks the visual appeal of FightCamp’s gear — you wouldn’t want it regularly displayed in your living room.

TITLE Boxing Club On Demand streams TITLE Boxing Club workouts. You can do them anywhere, anytime, because there’s no equipment.

The service has many positive reviews and offers a variety of boxing, kickboxing, core, and strength workouts. While it’s reasonably priced, it lacks the equipment-based workout experience that FightCamp offers.