As part of their core operations, gyms have been offering a wide range of different exercise classes to suit varying fitness wants and needs - from Pilates to step and spin - for years.
The World Fitness Centre in Dunedin offers, among others, World Title Boxing, an energetic, martial arts-based programme centred on punches and kicks.
I went along to try the class, designed to give you the all-over body toning workout of boxing without stepping into the ring, and was pleased with what I found.
Exercise has always been touted as a great way to let off some steam and relax after a hard day's work, but this class took it to another level by letting me punch something as well.
I arrived early to get my bearings and was issued with a pair of gloves by personal trainer Richard Mckinlay before another 12 people arrived. We were split into pairs and the music was cranked.
I was paired with class regular Janet McPherson, who has been taking the course for the past two years.
"It's fantastic," she said.
As well as being "really good for the core", the class offered stress relief and gave her an opportunity to mix up her exercise routine.
When we squared off for the first part of the class - combination punching in pairs mixed with running - she warned me to keep the "hit-mits" up or risk being punched in the face.
From the look in her eye, I knew she was serious and my mits were up.
When I pulled on the gloves, I was more rookie than Rocky, but Janet talked me through the techniques of maintaining a straight wrist, not letting my hands drop, holding my abdominals tight and smiling.
Apparently grinning and bearing it was the key.
However, she made me work harder than I would if I were exercising alone and encouraged me through sets of ab work which made me grimace.
After the punching and running, we moved on to punching and prone holds (the plank), lunge kick combinations, ab crunches-and-punches, and a final set of lying on our backs and kicking a mit above us.
I certainly felt the full-body effect the next day.
Imagine waking in the night, attempting to roll over and having to grab on to your partner for leverage as pain from your abs impedes all movement. Then imagine similar pain in legs and arms every time you sat down, stood up, or moved, for two days.
However, Richard assured me it was all worth it. Boxing boosted cardio fitness, power and agility while targeting the arms, legs and core, he said.
In a class situation, the routine could change day-to-day and trainer-to-trainer, so demands of the group could also be met.
Full boxing bags were often hung and users had a chance to unleash on those, rather than feel restricted working with someone else.
Classes attracted both men and women, aged from 18 to 50, of all shapes and sizes.
"It's an enjoyment thing for a lot of them," he said.
The challenge of perfecting the technique of jabs, crosses, hooks and upper-cuts, and putting them into different combinations, also provided a mental aspect to the workout.
It took me a while to find my fighting stance and I was challenged by the abdominal work, but it was so much fun I definitely want to give it another whirl.
The cost of a boxing class:
Free with a gym membership, $12 for a casual session, or $10 with a concession card.
Other Dunedin boxing-based classes are offered at:
• Olympic Gym.
• Fight and Fitness Academy.
• Body Synergy Gym.
• Les Mills.