Sweat, Strength, and Strikes: The BoxFitFTL Experience is a Knockout

Corporate office jobs are usually nothing more than rows of gray cubicles, the hum of fluorescent lights, and the dull clatter of keyboards filling the sterile office space. But instead of stale coffee, spreadsheets, and nodding through meetings, Andrew Galluzzo preferred guiding his students through jabs, crosses, and footwork. He saw his future—his own boxing studio, a place where purpose met passion. The decision settled quietly; he wasn't resigning—he was finally answering the bell.

Andrew Galluzzo of BoxFit FTL

“I had corporate jobs like selling insurance,” said Galluzzo. “But I knew this wasn’t my thing. But in my head, I was figuring out what my next step would be, and it was to launch BoxFit.”

From elementary school, Andrew Galluzzo took little league sports and remembers the days of being on the field, seeing a patchwork of jerseys shuffle nervously. Cleats scuff at the dirt as small hands adjust gloves almost too big for their fingers. But in fifth grade, he took a boxing lesson, which led to him taking an interest in combat sports in high school and by 15 years old, taking more boxing classes.

“In my late 20s, I started training people to box,” said Galluzzo. “It started with family and friends. But I realized there were either hardcore fighting gyms for professionals or very basic beginners that aren’t in-depth.”

Realizing that and with the growth of his clients and the inability to travel back and forth to make it to appointments, Galluzzo thought of opening a facility. A place that could accommodate more people, a gym echoing with the sounds of jump ropes whipping the floor and gloves thudding against leather.

He wanted a space of his own, a place where he could build a community from the ground up, where he could shape the atmosphere and culture. He saw beyond the punches—he saw potential in teaching others, sharpened his own skills, and more importantly, connected with people in a way he hadn’t known before.

“That’s when I decided to set up my business,” said Galluzzo. “In April 2022, I launched BoxFit.”

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Wilton Manors, Florida, BoxFit is a unique blend of boxing and physical training that caters to all skill levels. It’s an opportunity to ditch the treadmill and pick up the gloves for the rhythmic sounds of gloves meeting punching bags, the encouraging shouts of trainers, and the collective determination of members create a symphony of motivation.

The facility boasts a range of training options, including 1-on-1 sessions, semi-private, and group classes, ensuring that every individual's fitness journey is both personalized and effective.

“When you see it on TV from an uneducated eye you just see two guys beating the hell out of each other,” said Galluzzo. “The way you throw the punches, do the moves, the footwork, it’s all graceful. It’s very strategic, boxing is like chess.”

The fighters read each other like seasoned chess players, plotting moves ahead. Boxing is more than fists and fury—it's a symphony of movement, with each step, there's a rhythm—left foot, right foot, a pivot, a sway. A well-timed hook curves with the grace of a violinist's bow, slicing the air with purpose.

“We go over the fundamentals like how to properly throw a punch and why we’d throw a certain punch in a scenario,” said Galluzzo. “Attention to details and the technical aspect and taking the time individually to help someone with their strengths and weaknesses is what separates us. Even during our group classes.”

The group classes are particularly popular, offering a convenient and affordable way to get a high-intensity workout while learning boxing fundamentals. These classes are structured yet dynamic, allowing participants to have fun, forge new friendships, and break a sweat. 

“We have classes at 12 people,” said Galluzzo. “That way you can still get that 1-on-1 personal attention.”

For those seeking more personalized attention, 1-on-1 private training sessions are available and provide detailed, focused coaching tailored to individual goals. 

The gym is clean, well-equipped, and has a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of a family,” said Gino Dattile. “I've been training at BoxFit for several months now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience.”

Additionally, semi-private sessions offer the opportunity to train with friends or family, combining personalized attention with the camaraderie of a group setting.

“We can teach you one concept one day and the next day piggyback off of what we learned last time,” said Galluzzo. “We continue to educate on concepts, and it never gets bland.  I want to eliminate that thought of boxing is just a rough and brutal sport because we have children as young as five years old that I train as well as adults in their 70s.”

Between rounds, breathless yet exhilarated, the group rehydrates and high-fives. In these shared, sweaty moments, the lines between workout and camaraderie blur — strangers become teammates, and the struggle of each round becomes a celebration.

“We have even partnered with some groups like Emerge Broward and The Beauty Boost Fort Lauderdale,” said Galluzzo. “I also worked with local apartment complexes to promote health and wellness. A lot of these groups are about networking and sometimes people want an alternative from the usual drink at happy hour while networking and this can be an alternative.”

From toned athletes to first-timers still finding their footing — BoxFit Fort Lauderdale has their faces lit with determination and a hint of playful mischief. Kids, sometimes in a pair of slightly oversized gloves, giggle between punches and Coach Galluzzo gives a fist-bump of encouragement.

“Parents love it,” said Galluzzo. “The kids burn a lot of energy when they’re training with us. It’s been positive feedback from the parents and the kids. It helps them build confidence [and] self-esteem, and we have little boys and little girls who are happy to learn a new skill.”

Andrew Galluzzo has also coached a fitness instructor for a charity boxing match with Haymakers for Hope, a cancer-fighting 501 (c) (3). Galluzzo’s instructor raised $10,000 for cancer research and the event itself raised half a million.

BoxFit FTL is more than a gym — it's a space where strength, strategy, and community intertwine. Each punch thrown echoes with the power of connection, leaving an impact that extends far beyond the bag.

Galluzzo is also hoping to add more trainers to BoxFit FTL and believes, “The power of boxing has brought so many people together, and I want to use the sport of boxing to do that to fill everyone’s cup and bring our community a little closer together.”