Women's Boxing in Viladecans: Why Train at Ryutai

Why Boxing Is Perfect For Women: My Experience As An Instructor

When I started boxing over a decade ago, I was one of the few women in the gym. The stares were constant, the condescending comments too. "Wouldn't you prefer aerobics?" they'd ask. Today, as an instructor at Ryutai Viladecans, I proudly see how more and more women approach boxing not just as a sport, but as a tool for physical, mental, and emotional transformation.

Women's boxing has experienced a revolution in recent years. It went from being a taboo to becoming one of the most popular workouts among women of all ages. And it's no coincidence. Boxing offers something few sports can match: the perfect combination of intense fitness, personal empowerment, confidence building, and a supportive community.

At our women's boxing gym in Viladecans (Ryutai II), located at C/del Sol, 64, we've created a space where women not only feel welcome, but are the protagonists. Currently, approximately 40% of our 200+ students are women, from teenagers to ladies over 50 years old. They all share something in common: they discovered that boxing changed their lives in ways they never imagined.

This article is my love letter to women's boxing and my personal invitation to all women in Viladecans, Sant Boi, Gavà, El Prat and Baix Llobregat who have considered our boxing classes for women but have doubts, fears or questions. Discover all our disciplines if you're also interested in MMA, BJJ or grappling. Let me tell you why this sport might be exactly what you're looking for.

Our community: women of all ages training together at Ryutai II

Breaking Stereotypes: Boxing Isn't Just For Men

The first barrier women interested in boxing face is mental: "That's not for girls." This stereotype is so ingrained in our society that even today, with Olympic boxers and world champions, many women feel that boxing is a masculine space where they don't belong.

Let me dismantle this myth with facts:

Historically, women have boxed since the 18th century, although they were officially excluded for a long time. Women's boxing became an Olympic sport in London 2012, and since then it has grown exponentially. Spain has elite female boxers competing at the world level. Women's boxing is one of the fastest-growing segments in gyms worldwide.

But more important than history or statistics is personal experience. At Ryutai we've seen hundreds of women completely transform. They arrive on the first day shy, insecure, apologizing for not knowing anything. Within a few weeks, they're hitting with confidence, challenging their peers (men included) and discovering a strength they didn't know they had.

Boxing doesn't require you to give up your femininity. You don't have to become "masculine" to box. Some of our best students arrive straight from the office with makeup, put on gloves, do an intense class, and leave renewed. Boxing is simply a tool, and like any tool, it can be used by whoever wants to learn it.

What makes boxing special is that it democratizes physical power. It doesn't matter if you're tall or short, strong or thin, athletic or sedentary. The right technique multiplies your strength. I've seen 55 kg women hit with more power than 85 kg men simply because they better master the kinetic chain, hip rotation and weight transfer.

The most harmful stereotype is that boxing will make you "bulky" or "masculine." The reality is exactly opposite: boxing sculpts an athletic, toned and functional body. It develops defined shoulders, toned arms, strong core and powerful legs, but all in proportion and with a completely feminine and aesthetic appearance. If this were a real concern, our students wouldn't keep coming year after year looking fantastic.

Real result: athletic, toned and completely feminine body

Physical Benefits Of Boxing Specific To Women

Boxing is possibly the most complete workout that exists. But for us women, it offers specific benefits that go beyond generic fitness: visible body transformation, crucial bone strengthening, and that coveted effect of 'toning without excessive bulk' that so many of us seek.

Toning without excessive bulk: One of the main concerns I hear is "I don't want to get too big." Excellent news: it's physiologically very difficult for women to develop bulky muscle mass without specific supplementation and training designed for that purpose.

Boxing develops lean, dense and functional muscle. Your arms tone and define, your shoulders sculpt, your core strengthens, but all while maintaining feminine and aesthetic proportions.

The constant arm work in boxing (maintaining guard, throwing punches) mainly develops muscular endurance, not massive hypertrophy. The result is firm and defined arms that look fantastic in sleeveless dresses, not bulky bodybuilder arms.

Specific fat loss: Boxing is extraordinarily effective for burning fat, especially in problem areas for many women. A 60-minute session burns between 600-800 calories, but the metabolic effect continues for 24-48 hours afterwards.

Our students report notable fat loss in abdomen, arms, back and legs in the first 8-12 weeks of consistent training.

What's special about boxing is that it combines intense cardio with strength work, generating that coveted body recomposition effect: you lose fat while gaining muscle simultaneously. You don't just weigh less, you look and feel completely different.

Bone strengthening: Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis, especially after menopause. Boxing, being a controlled impact exercise, helps strengthen bone density. Studies show that impact training can significantly improve bone mineral density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis long-term.

Posture improvement: Many women develop bad posture from office jobs, mobile device use or simply sedentary lifestyle habits. Boxing strengthens all the back musculature, especially the upper area (trapezius, lats, rhomboids) and forces you to maintain correct posture constantly. Our students report significant reduction in back and neck pain in the first weeks.

Functional and strong core: Forget doing hundreds of boring sit-ups. Every punch in boxing requires core activation and stabilization. It's constant isometric work that develops functional and strong abs. Many students develop visible abs for the first time in their lives simply by training boxing regularly.

Flexibility and mobility: Although not as obvious as in yoga, boxing develops excellent flexibility, especially in hips, shoulders and torso. The dodging movements, turns, constant rotations improve your range of motion functionally.

The confidence that radiates: more than a sport, a mental transformation

Mental Empowerment Of Women's Boxing: The True Power

If the physical benefits are impressive, the mental and emotional ones are even more transformative. This is where boxing really changes lives.

Radiating confidence: There's nothing comparable to the confidence you develop when you know you can defend yourself if necessary. It's not arrogance, it's a quiet security that permeates all areas of your life. You walk differently, speak differently, position yourself differently in work and personal situations.

I've seen extraordinary transformations: students who arrived shy, avoiding eye contact, constantly apologizing. In 6 months they're leading teams at their jobs, negotiating salary increases, establishing healthy boundaries in their relationships.

Boxing taught them they're stronger than they thought, and that lesson transfers to everything.

Managing difficult emotions: As women, we're often taught to suppress "negative" emotions like anger or frustration. Boxing provides a safe and healthy space to channel those emotions. There's something deeply liberating about hitting a bag after a stressful day. It's not violence, it's controlled and healthy release of accumulated tension.

Many students describe boxing as their "weekly therapy." They arrive loaded with work stress, family problems, anxiety, and leave renewed, centered, with perspective. Intense exercise releases endorphins, but also forces you to be present, to concentrate completely on the moment, functioning as active meditation.

Resilience and overcoming: Boxing teaches you that you're capable of more than you think. When you complete a session you thought was impossible, when you master a technique that took you weeks, when you spar for the first time and survive, you develop resilience that applies to all life's challenges.

This lesson that progress comes from persistence, not innate talent, is invaluable. In boxing, we all start clumsy, uncoordinated, without endurance. Progress is visible, measurable, and completely under your control. This experience of "I can improve at something difficult if I consistently work at it" is transformative.

Community and sisterhood: One of the least talked about but most valuable aspects of boxing at Ryutai is the community that forms. Women who train together develop deep bonds. They support each other, celebrate achievements, push each other to improve. This sisterhood is especially valuable because it's based on mutual respect and admiration for effort, not superficial competition.

Many of our students have formed genuine friendships that extend outside the gym. Boxing becomes not just a workout, but a support community.

Real self-defense: techniques that work, confidence that transforms

Self-Defense For Women: Real Skills, Real Confidence

Although I hope you never need to use these skills in real situations, boxing provides you with genuine self-defense tools that can make a difference in a dangerous situation.

Practical skills: Boxing develops reflexes, reaction speed, ability to hit with power, and most importantly, the mindset of "I can and will defend myself." In a dangerous situation, these skills can give you crucial seconds to escape or neutralize a threat.

We don't promise to turn you into a professional fighter, but we do give you real tools. You'll know how to position yourself, how to generate power in a punch, where to hit for maximum effect, how to maintain distance or close distance as appropriate.

Situational awareness: Part of boxing training develops what we call "awareness" - consciousness of your surroundings, positions, distances, opponent's intentions. This skill transfers directly to daily life. You become more aware of your environment, more capable of identifying potentially dangerous situations before they escalate.

Confident body language: Attackers look for easy victims. A person who walks with confidence, maintains appropriate eye contact, and projects physical security is much less likely to be selected as a victim. Boxing fundamentally changes your body language. You project confidence because you genuinely feel it.

Reaction under pressure: Perhaps the most valuable thing is that boxing teaches you to stay calm under physical pressure. When you've experienced the controlled stress of sparring, when you've felt adrenaline in a safe situation, your brain is better prepared not to freeze in a real dangerous situation.

It's important to be clear: boxing doesn't make you invincible, and the best self-defense is always to avoid dangerous situations when possible. But it gives you options, skills and above all, the mindset of "I'm not an easy victim."

Mixed training, absolute respect: that's Ryutai II

Safe And Welcoming Environment At Ryutai II: Our Commitment

Creating a space where women feel comfortable, respected and empowered doesn't happen by accident. In our women's boxing program in Viladecans we've deliberately worked to build a culture of respect, professionalism and support at Ryutai II. Women from all over the Baix Llobregat region - Viladecans, Sant Boi, Gavà, El Prat, Castelldefels - feel welcome and safe at our gym.

Changing rooms and appropriate facilities: We have separate, clean and secure changing rooms. We know these logistical details matter for women to feel comfortable.

Zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior: Any sexist comment, inappropriate behavior or lack of respect results in immediate expulsion. We don't negotiate on this. Our students must feel completely safe.

Mixed but respectful classes: Although our classes are mixed (men and women train together), the culture of respect is absolute. The men who train at Ryutai understand they're in a shared space where everyone deserves the same respect and consideration.

In fact, training with men has advantages: it pushes you to work harder, gives you reference of different types of opponents, and prepares you better for real self-defense situations. But always controlled, always respectful, always with instructor supervision.

Sensitive instructors: As a female instructor, I understand the specific concerns women have when starting. Our entire team, both female and male instructors, is trained to create an inclusive and understanding environment.

Progress at your pace: There's no pressure to go faster than you feel comfortable. If you never want to spar, perfect. If you want to focus only on fitness, excellent. If you want to compete eventually, we support you. Your training adapts to your goals and comfort level.

Support community: The women who already train at Ryutai act as natural mentors for newcomers. This support network makes integration much easier. You'll never be alone or lost.

Training With Men: How We Make It Work

A frequent question is: "Will I have to fight with men? Isn't it dangerous or uncomfortable?"

The short answer is: you train with men but in a completely controlled, respectful manner appropriate to your level.

In regular classes, training is mainly individual (bag, technique, conditioning) or in pairs for technical exercises without real contact. When there's light contact work (mitt work, pads), instructors carefully pair considering size, experience and comfort level.

Sparring (practice combat) is completely optional and only for advanced students who specifically request it. And when it happens, it's closely supervised, with full protection, and appropriate pairings. I've seen sparring between men and women of similar level that is technical, respectful and beneficial for both.

The reality is that men who seriously train in boxing have deep respect for anyone who steps in the ring, regardless of gender. They understand how difficult it is, and respect the courage it requires. The men at Ryutai are some of our biggest cheerleaders for female students.

Moreover, training in a mixed environment has practical benefits. It gives you exposure to different styles, sizes and strengths. It prepares you better for real self-defense. And it eliminates artificial segregation, normalizing that boxing is for everyone.

What we don't allow is any type of condescension. No "letting win," no automatically "softening" exercises. Women receive the same quality training as men, adapted to their individual level, exactly as we do with all students.

From zero to confidence: we all start as beginners

Common Concerns: Answering Your Questions

Is boxing dangerous for women?

No, boxing is significantly safer than most people think. In regular fitness boxing classes (what most students do), the risk of injury is low because you work on bags, mitts and pads without receiving punches.

The most common injuries are minor: scraped knuckles, calluses, muscle soreness.

Sparring (where there is contact) is completely optional and only for advanced students. When it happens, we use full protection (headgear, mouth guard, heavy gloves) and it's closely supervised. In my 8 years at Ryutai, serious injuries are extremely rare.

Is boxing too aggressive for me?

Boxing can be as intense or gentle as you need it to be. Many students never spar and still get all the benefits of fitness, confidence and technique. Boxing is a tool, and like any tool, it adapts to whoever uses it.

In fact, many women who described themselves as "not at all aggressive" discover they have a competitive intensity they didn't know existed. It's not destructive aggression, it's focused intensity, and there's a crucial difference.

Will boxing make me too muscular?

No. It's physiologically very difficult for women to develop bulky muscle mass without specific supplementation and training designed for that purpose.

Boxing develops lean, dense and functional muscle. Your arms tone and define, your shoulders sculpt, your core strengthens, but all while maintaining feminine and aesthetic proportions. The result is firm arms that look fantastic, not bulky bodybuilder arms.

If you look at professional female boxers, you'll see incredibly fit but clearly feminine bodies. And they train 6+ hours daily. Our 1-hour classes 3-4 times a week won't accidentally turn you into a bodybuilder.

Can I start boxing if I'm very out of shape?

Yes, absolutely. 90% of our students started without prior physical condition. The first weeks are challenging, but in 2-3 weeks you'll notice significant improvement. In a month you'll be doing things that seemed impossible the first day.

Our beginner classes are specifically designed for people starting from zero. Instructors modify intensity as you need.

What should I bring to my first boxing class?

For your first class you need:

• Comfortable sportswear (leggings or exercise pants + t-shirt)
• Athletic shoes with good support
• Water bottle

We provide: Gloves and wraps for your first class (free).

If you decide to continue, eventually you'll want your own equipment, but to start you don't need to buy anything.

How much does it cost to train women's boxing at Ryutai?

Boxing at Ryutai combines personal training, intensive cardio, strength and self-defense in a single activity. Compared to paying conventional gym (€40/month) + group classes (€60/month) + personal trainer (€50/session), boxing is significantly more economical for the value you receive.

Additional advantages: No contract, completely free first class to try without commitment. Call us at +34 677 71 47 99 and schedule your class this week. Contact us for more information.

Global inspiration, local training: women's boxing is here to stay

Inspiration: Female Boxers Who Are Changing The Game

If you need inspiration, look at these incredible female boxers who are redefining the sport:

Katie Taylor: Irish Olympic champion and current undisputed world champion. Impeccable technique, incredible power, and absolute professional.

Claressa Shields: Double American Olympic champion, world champion in multiple divisions. Started boxing to escape a difficult environment and became one of the best pound-for-pound.

Miriam Gutiérrez: Spanish boxer who competed for world titles. Proof that Spain produces elite female boxers.

Amanda Serrano: Puerto Rican, world champion in seven different divisions. One of the most technical and complete boxers in the world.

These women are not only exceptional athletes, they're pioneers who opened doors so that today's girls and women see boxing as a legitimate and desirable option.

But you don't need to aspire to be a world champion for boxing to be worthwhile. Every woman at Ryutai has her own transformation story: the mother of three from Sant Boi who recovered her identity, the executive from Gavà who found a way to manage work stress, the student from Viladecans who developed confidence to defend her ideas, the 50+ woman from El Prat who got in the best shape of her life.

My Personal Perspective As An Instructor

As an instructor at Ryutai and as a woman who has lived boxing from both sides (student and trainer), I can honestly say that boxing changed my life in ways I never imagined.

I started boxing in my twenties because I wanted to get in shape after sedentary years. What I found was much more than fitness. I found a community, a passion, a career, and a version of myself I didn't know existed: stronger, more confident, more capable.

Boxing taught me I can do difficult things. It taught me that real progress comes from consistency, not sporadic heroic efforts. It taught me I deserve to occupy physical space without apologizing. It taught me that physical strength and femininity aren't opposites, they're complements.

As an instructor, my greatest satisfaction is seeing that same transformation in my students. Seeing a woman who arrived shy, insecure, hesitant, become someone who hits with confidence, speaks with security, moves through the world differently. That transformation never stops moving me.

Every woman who enters Ryutai II has a different story, different goals, different fears. But they all share something: they dared to try something that scared them, something society told them wasn't for them. And in doing so, they proved to themselves they're capable of more than they thought.

My job as an instructor isn't just teaching boxing technique (although that too). It's creating a space where women can discover their strength, literal and figurative. It's encouraging them when they doubt, pushing them when they can do more, and celebrating every achievement, big or small.

Your first class is waiting: the only requirement is daring to try

How To Start: Your First Women's Boxing Class In Viladecans

If you've made it this far, you're clearly seriously considering trying boxing. Let me make that first step as easy as possible.

Book your free class: Call us at +34 677 71 47 99 or write to us at info.ryutai@gmail.com. Literally just say "I want to try the free boxing class" and we'll schedule you. No commitment, no pressure, no cost.

What to bring: Comfortable sportswear (leggings/exercise pants and t-shirt), athletic shoes, water bottle. We provide gloves and wraps for your first class. If you decide to continue, eventually you'll want your own equipment, but to start you don't need to buy anything.

What to expect: You arrive 10 minutes before class. We welcome you, show you the facilities, explain how the class will be. The class lasts 60 minutes and includes warm-up, basic technique, bag work, and conditioning. The instructor will be attentive to you, modifying as necessary. You'll feel challenged but not overwhelmed.

After the first class: You'll decide if you want to continue. No contract, no long commitments. You come while you see results and enjoy.

Location and access: We're at C/del Sol, 64, 08840 Viladecans (Ryutai II). Check how to get to Ryutai from Sant Boi, Gavà, El Prat and Castelldefels via public transport (lines L46, L95, L77, between 5-10 minutes from nearby cities). If you come by car, there's free parking available in the area.

Schedule: Monday to Friday from 17:00 to 22:30, Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00. Check our complete schedules for all disciplines.

Your Moment Is Now

There are a million reasons to postpone, to wait for the "perfect moment," to convince yourself it's not for you. Let me tell you something I've learned from years of training women: the perfect moment doesn't exist. You'll always be busy. There will always be a reason to wait. You'll always have doubts.

What separates women who transform their lives from those who keep thinking about it is a simple act: starting. Not perfect, not prepared, not sure. Simply starting.

Boxing isn't for a specific type of woman. It's for any woman willing to try. Young and old. Athletic and sedentary. Extroverted and introverted. Confident and insecure. All have a place in the ring.

At Ryutai II, our women's boxing gym in Viladecans, we've created a space specifically for women to feel empowered, supported and capable. We're part of Team Calderón, with our team of professional instructors, some with experience in the Catalan national team. We have more than 200 satisfied students since our founding in 2016 and a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

But more important than credentials or statistics is this: we really care about your experience, your progress, your transformation. We want boxing to change your life like it changed ours.

I don't promise it will be easy. I promise it will be challenging, sometimes frustrating, always demanding. But also transformative, empowering and absolutely worthwhile.

The woman you'll be in 6 months of consistently training at Ryutai will be stronger, more confident, more capable, healthier than who you are today. That transformation starts with a simple decision: try one class.

So here's my personal invitation: try it. Just one class. Free, no commitment. If it's not for you, at least you tried and eliminated the doubt. But I have a feeling that once you feel the power of a well-executed punch, once you complete your first class, once you experience that unique mix of physical exhaustion and mental euphoria that only boxing provides, you'll be hooked.

Call us at +34 677 71 47 99 or write to us at info.ryutai@gmail.com. You can also contact us directly or follow us on Instagram @ryutai_viladecans to see our community in action.

The ring is waiting for you. Your transformation is waiting for you. Your strongest version is waiting for you.

See you at Ryutai.

Sheila Martínez Boxing Instructor Ryutai Viladecans