9 Round Review: Is It Worth the Cost?

9 Round Fitness refers to a specialized gym offering a high-intensity kickboxing workout where members rotate through nine stations, each lasting two minutes, focusing on cardio or strength training. It’s ideal for busy folks, as you can jump into a class every three minutes without prior booking, guided by personal trainers.

9 Round focuses on boxing and kickboxing workouts instead of traditional gym equipment like weight machines or squat racks. This approach suits beginners, and its wearable heart-rate tech monitors exercise intensity. However, 9 Round’s strength training is limited to basic bodyweight exercises, and the experience varies across locations due to differing instructor styles.

So, is 9 Round expensive? Yes, 9 Round is considered expensive, with memberships ranging from $69 per month for 4 workouts to $155 per month for unlimited sessions, depending on location. This is over twice the cost of commercial gyms like Crunch or Gold’s Gym. However, 9 Round offers flexible, semi-private classes tailored to your fitness level without scheduling constraints.

In this 9 Round review, I will share my experience with 9 Round, including details on 9 Round cost and membership prices, what to expect, what 9 Round franchise reviews say, and whether it’s worth it. I’ll also explain how I managed to sweat, have fun, and, most importantly, how you can do it too.

What is 9 Round?

9 Round is a kickboxing-themed fitness program that combines functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. 9 Round gym franchise was established in 2008 by Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson, a former IKF Light Middleweight Kickboxing World Champion and the current CEO of 9Round Franchising, LLC. This fitness concept revolves around 30-minute kickboxing-style training sessions that incorporate strength training elements.

9 Round Kickboxing is designed to provide a full-body workout through a combination of punches and kicks, leading to improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and stress relief. 9 Round is under the umbrella of Lift Brands, the parent company that also owns Snap Fitness and FitnessOnDemand.

9 Round operates over 600 locations across 41 U.S. states and 297 locations in 20 countries, including Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Australia.

What is the 9 Round Membership Cost?

9 Round membership costs depend on the plan, monthly sessions, contract terms, and location, with fees set by independent franchises. Enrollment fees range from $60 to $99 and include an access card, hand wraps, and gloves. Membership options include monthly, paid-in-full memberships, or punch packs. One-time drop-in class at 9 Round cost $25 for a 30-minute session.

9 Round unlimited monthly plans cost $125 per month with a 12-month contract, $140 per month with a 6-month contract, and $155 per month without a contract. Punch packs for 10 workouts, valid for 90 days, are priced at $175. 9 Round also offers paid-in-full memberships. A 3-month unlimited plan costs $432, and a 6-month unlimited plan costs $772. The Introductory Personal Training Session at 9 Round costs $19.99 and provides a 30-minute customized workout with a 9Round Champion Trainer to focus on your fitness goals.

All 9 Round memberships include perks such as free heart rate monitors and access to 9 Round NOW, an online kickboxing community offering on-demand workouts. The following table shows how much 9 Round costs.

Membership Option	Cost	Perks
Enrollment Fee	$60 – $99 (includes access card, hand wraps, and gloves)	Includes access card, hand wraps, and gloves
Unlimited Monthly Plan (12-month contract)	$125 per month	Free heart rate monitor, 9 Round NOW access
Unlimited Monthly Plan (6-month contract)	$140 per month	Free heart rate monitor, 9 Round NOW access
Unlimited Monthly Plan (No contract)	$155 per month	Free heart rate monitor, 9 Round NOW access
Punch Pack (10 workouts, valid for 90 days)	$175	Free heart rate monitor, 9 Round NOW access
Paid-in-Full Plan (3-month unlimited)	$432	Free heart rate monitor, 9 Round NOW access
Paid-in-Full Plan (6-month unlimited)	$772	Free heart rate monitor, 9 Round NOW access

What are the 9 round pricing packages?

The 9Round pricing packages include three plans:

• Pro (Unlimited)
• Semi-Pro (8 Workouts)
• Amateur (4 Workouts)

Is 9Round Worth It?

9Round is worth it for its unique training options, including boxing bags, speed bags, and one-on-one trainer sessions. The workouts are challenging yet enjoyable, promoting fun through partner-based activities that shift focus from exercise to engagement.

I definitely recommend 9 Round for everyone who wants to get back into fitness and is looking for something new and challenging at the same time. Boxing and kickboxing are a great alternative to sports like running and cycling because it saves time and allows you to train in a great community of like-minded people.

What is Included in the 9 Round Cost?

The 9 Round cost includes access to the gym, discounts on gear, daily workouts, convenient opening hours, trainer-led sessions, and weekly challenges. These inclusions are standard across all 9 Round locations.

• Circuit Workouts – No Class Times: 9 Round workouts are structured as a series of stations (circuits), allowing members to start at any time without the need to attend scheduled classes.
• Discounted New Member Gear: 9 Round members receive a discount on essential workout gear such as gloves, wraps, and other equipment needed for 9 Round kickboxing sessions.
• New Workouts Every Day: The 9 Round program offers a fresh, unique workout plan each day, ensuring variety and targeting different muscle groups to prevent monotony.
• Unlimited Self-Guided and Trainer-Led Sessions: Members can choose between 9 Round guided sessions with trainers or completing the circuits independently at their own pace, depending on their preference.
• Weekly Challenges: Regular 9 Round challenges are designed to motivate members, improve performance, and track progress while adding a competitive and fun element to workouts.

9 Round Fitness offers 9Round NOW, an online on-demand workout platform. Available to members with unlimited or 8-session-per-month packages, it delivers full-body workouts combining punches and kicks.

Why is 9 Round So Expensive?

9 Round is considered expensive due to its personalized services, including access to certified trainers, specialized kickboxing workouts, and flexibility with no fixed class schedules. The pricing also reflects the costs of equipment provided during enrollment, like gloves and hand wraps, and variations in rates set by independent franchises.

How Does the 9Round Fitness Work?

9 Round offers a unique approach to exercise with 30-minute circuit training sessions. Instead of traditional gym equipment like in LA Fitness or Planet Fitness, in 9 Round you’ll find nine rounds of dynamic workouts using punching bags, kickboxing stations, and strength training exercises. Each round features a different combination of exercises, ensuring a challenging and engaging workout.

9 Round offers a walk-in kickboxing circuit training format, offering flexibility by eliminating the need for pre-scheduled sessions. Members can start workouts upon arrival. A new round starts every three minutes, with a trainer always available to guide and motivate you. This high-intensity interval training (HIIT) system provides a full-body workout in a short amount of time. Each 9 Round studio is equipped with dumbbells, kettlebells, and various punching bags, offering 30-minute classes. Unlike Orangetheory Fitness, hiit republic, or F45 Training, it lacks treadmills or rowers but features punching bags and boxing stations.

During my first 9Round workout, I joined four others. The trainer had me sign a liability waiver, explained the session’s nine-round structure lasting three minutes each, and began the workout. If you’re a beginner and require extra guidance from the trainers, I recommend coming during less crowded times.

How Does 9 Round Work for Weight Loss?

The 9 Round Kickboxing program supports weight loss with high-intensity kickboxing-style training. Kickboxing improves fitness through high anaerobic power and aerobic conditioning. A 2015 study by Birinder S. Cheema (University of Western Sydney) found that four weekly boxing-style HIIT sessions reduced body fat percentage and systolic blood pressure. Similarly, a 2014 study by Sarah P. Shultz (Massey University) reported moderate reductions in visceral fat and increased fitness and self-confidence in obese adolescent boys.

9 Round tracks calorie burn using a heart rate monitor synced to a screen, allowing trainers to monitor your workout intensity. In a 30-minute session, you can burn up to 350 calories, comparable to running or cycling. Advanced participants burn more calories by maintaining higher intensity through consistent punches and kicks without rest.

Can I lose belly fat by doing 9Round?

Yes, you can lose belly fat with 9 Round workouts as they elevate and sustain your heart rate in the fat-burning zone. Each class includes 30 seconds of active recovery focused on core conditioning exercises like v-sits, planks, and mountain climbers.

What are the 9 Round Opening Hours?

9 Round locations generally operate for 6 to 8 hours daily, but specific hours vary by location. Many gyms open in the morning, typically between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm, and then reopen in the afternoon, from around 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. To find the exact opening hours for a specific 9Round gym, it’s best to check their website or contact the location directly.

I visited the 9 Round near me at the Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. During my workout, I spent some time chatting with one of the trainers. The trainer at Coral Gables told me that the timetable varies at each location and depends on the owner.

What are the 9 Rounds at 9 Round?

The 9Rounds at 9Round consists of nine stations featuring full-body exercises. Stations 1 and 2 focus on strength training with bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, and dumbbells. Stations 3 to 8 incorporate boxing and kickboxing routines. The final station concludes with abdominal exercises.

Each round lasts for 3 minutes, and you’ll cycle through these two exercises for the entire round. For instance, you might first kick a horizontal bag for 20 seconds. Then, switch to a set of squat jumps or lunges with added weight. Alternatively, you could do a 30-second session with a speed bag followed by 15 seconds of pushups.

This table shows the breakdown of all 9 rounds and the types of exercises you do at each one of them.

Horizontal bag (for kicks, punches, and HIIT exercises)	Exercises
Round 1	Aerobic exercise to get the heart rate up (Jump rope, jumping jacks)
Round 2	Strength training with weights (dumbbells, kettlebells, or medicine ball)
Round 3	Double-end punching bag together with some HIIT exercise (burpee, high knees)
Round 4	Heavy bag (for punches and kicks)
Round 5	Wrecking Ball (for punches and kicks)
Round 6	Freestyle (you work with a trainer using boxing pads)
Round 7	Speed bag (for punches and bodyweight strength exercises)
Round 8	Speed bag (for punches and bodyweight strength exercise)
Round 9	Core (2-3 abs exercises)

Is 9 Round Boxing hard?

Yes, 9 Round Boxing is challenging due to continuous 90% movement, executing strikes, punches, and kicks with full force and minimal rest. During 30-second active recovery periods, participants perform cardio bodyweight exercises.

Who Should Consider Joining the 9 Round?

9 Round is ideal for beginners to build consistent exercise habits and for weight loss through 3-5 weekly high-intensity sessions. It enhances aerobic and anaerobic fitness by challenging dynamic strength and endurance. It may not suit those preferring longer workouts, low-intensity options, or pregnant women due to its 30-minute high-intensity sessions.

What are the Health Benefits of 9 Round Boxing?

The following list outlines the health benefits of doing 9 Round Boxing.

• 9 Round provides a great physical workout: Experience a comprehensive physical workout that includes cardio, strength training, and endurance exercises, ensuring a well-rounded fitness routine.
• 9 Round helps to down-regulate and de-stress: Down-regulate and de-stress by engaging in 9Round workouts, promoting relaxation and reducing the impact of daily stressors on your well-being.
• 9 Round requires no prior boxing experience: No prior boxing experience is needed. It’s accessible to individuals of all fitness levels, including beginners.
• 9 Round offers a fun and entertaining exercise routine: 9Round workouts are designed to be fun and entertaining, making exercise an enjoyable experience rather than a chore.
• 9 Round improves mental toughness and boosts self-confidence: Regular participation in 9Round sessions can enhance mental toughness, helping you build resilience and face challenges with confidence.

What are the drawbacks of 9 Round?

The following are the drawbacks and limitations that I observed during my visit to 9Rounds.

1. Can get crowded during peak times, affecting the workout experience.
2. Lacks heavy weights for those seeking advanced strength training.
3. Different fitness levels among participants may create an intimidating atmosphere.
4. Limited weekend availability, as it’s open on Saturdays only for 4 hours and closed on Sundays.
5. The 9Round kickboxing prices are high so it can be expensive for those on a tight budget.

For me, the main drawbacks of 9Round Fitness include limited heavy weights for advanced strength training and restrictions on gym access. Members can only train at the specific location where they signed up, as each gym operates independently.

How often should you do 9 Round?

The ideal 9 Round frequency depends on your fitness goals and level. Beginners should start with 1-2 weekly sessions to build consistency. For weight loss, aim for 3-5 sessions weekly paired with a controlled diet. For fitness maintenance, daily sessions are possible but include one recovery day weekly to avoid overtraining and injuries.

What should you expect at 9 Round Fitness?

9 Round offers challenging 30-minute sessions inspired by high-intensity combat sports. Trainers hold boxing pads to motivate and push members, making partner training more effective than solo workouts. The camaraderie and personalized encouragement drive participants to persevere. Sessions blend boxing, kickboxing, bodyweight, and core exercises, delivering effective, fun, and stress-relieving high-intensity interval training.

What Should I Wear to 9Round Fitness?

During your initial visit to 9 Rounds, it’s advisable to wear standard gym attire and shoes. Additionally, bring a pair of 10- to 12-oz boxing gloves and some hand wraps to support your wrists and prevent injuries. I have my own gloves, but if you lack them and are unsure about membership yet, you can purchase regular gloves for approximately $40 at any 9 Round gym. These gloves are constructed from latex foam and synthetic leather, suitable for your regular boxing sessions. However, synthetic boxing gloves tend to wear out faster, so if you plan to pursue boxing in the long run, you might want to consider investing in full leather gloves.

What Should I Bring to 9Round Fitness?

The following list shows what to bring for your first 9 Round workout.

• Sports shoes and outfit (shorts and T-shirt)
• Sweat towel
• Bottle of water
• Boxing gloves
• Boxing straps

You don’t have to bring a mouth guard or boxing head protection for the 9 Round workouts because you won’t be doing any contact fighting.

Do I need boxing gloves for 9Round Fitness?

While 9Round provides boxing gloves to members and may offer a spare pair during your first free trial, it’s advisable to bring your own. Punching the heavy bag without gloves can lead to wrist injuries, as it’s easy to forget to keep your wrists tight. Gloves not only protect your knuckles but also stabilize and support your wrists.

Is 9round a boxing gym?

No, 9 Round isn’t a typical boxing gym. While their combat-inspired sessions include striking and punching with a partner, you won’t learn fighting methodology like you would in a regular boxing or MMA gym.

Do 9 Round locker rooms have showers?

No, the 9 Round locker rooms gyms don’t have any shower facilities, but they do have restrooms. Each gym is relatively small with just one main room where everyone is training.

Which gyms are similar to 9 Round?

Gyms similar to 9Round Fitness include Orangetheory Fitness, focusing on heart rate-based interval training; F45 Training, offering functional 45-minute circuit workouts; Title Boxing Club, specializing in boxing and kickboxing fitness classes; RockBox Fitness, combining boxing, kickboxing, and functional training; and CrossFit, emphasizing high-intensity functional movements. Gyms similar to 9 Round Fitness are listed below.

• Orangetheory Fitness: Focuses on heart rate-based interval training.
• F45 Training: Offers functional 45-minute circuit workouts.
• Title Boxing Club: Specializes in boxing and kickboxing fitness classes.
• RockBox Fitness: Combines boxing, kickboxing, and functional training.
• CrossFit: Focuses on high-intensity functional movements.

Each of these gyms provides a unique blend of intensity, community, and specialized training akin to the 9Round experience.

What are the differences between 9 Round and Rockbox Fitness?

9Round Fitness offers a circuit-based, kickboxing-themed workout with no set class times, allowing for flexible workout schedules, while RockBox Fitness combines boxing, kickboxing, and functional training in class-based formats. Additionally, RockBox often incorporates more diverse equipment and a broader range of strength training exercises compared to 9Round’s focus on kickboxing and cardiovascular fitness.

What Are the Differences Between 9 Round Fitness and F45?

The 9 Round and F45 workouts are distinct from each other but share the concept of functional group fitness training. While they both offer effective fitness options, F45 focuses on group HIIT training with a variety of equipment, including rowing machines, spin bikes, barbells, and dumbbells. In contrast, 9Round is more of a boxing boutique studio, emphasizing kickboxing and bodyweight exercises, allowing members to start sessions independently without adhering to a fixed schedule.

Here are some of the main differences between F45 and 9 Round.

	9Rounds	F45
Main focus	Kickboxing	Strength training
Duration	30 minutes	45 minutes
How does it work?	Boxing with a punching bag Kickboxing exercises Bodyweight exercises Heart rate monitors	Weight training Calisthenics Indoor rowing TRX Training Indoor cycling Heart rate monitors
Time	No schedule required	4-5 classes per day
Price	$80/month	$200/month