The latest Natick, Mass., business news:
Rumble Boxing has opened at Natick Mall
Rumble Boxing Gym has opened in the Natick Mall in a cool box-like space where the workouts are run by inspirational athletes who thrive on taking nervous newbies and turning them into true believers in the power of the punch. Just to be clear, out of the six punches essential to the workout—jab, backhand cross, front hook, back hook, front upper cut, back upper cut—not a single one of them connects with a person. Half of the 45-minute “fights” feature skill-and-drill boxing with Rumble’s custom aqua-filled bags. The other half is devoted to resistance training.

When I stopped by to check out the 2,800 sq.-ft. space, former amateur boxer Oscar Vergara stepped onto the podium and pumped up his custom-made playlist. Then he took me through the six punches, with assurances that my zero experience with boxing was no barrier to fun and fitness. Out of a maximum class size of 40, I could be working out with beginners like myself on one side, and serious athletes on the other. Vergara’s job is to keep the motivation and positivity levels high and coach as needed. I put on my game face and had a blast as I bumbled along. When I was in the gym, they gym was all there was. No outside distractions. No way to rattle around in my own headspace. I was all about the fierce. Felt good.
Massachusetts resident and Rumble owner Dr. Chandra Manish says he had close to a religious experience when he tried out his first class. The practicing dentist and owner of seven dental practices was looking for a fun opportunity to put his business acumen behind. He says he came out of his first Rumble class with tears of epiphany in his eyes. Manish says he won’t go in with a business he doesn’t 100% believe in. “I had never boxed in my life, and I could tell this was something really great.”
All boxers wrap up and wear gloves before class starts. Gloves are available to rent for a small fee, or for purchase in the onsite retail shop. Then there’s a group warm-up and a shadow boxing session, before things really amp up. Manish says with regular workouts, boxers will see results in their fitness and cardio levels, and their strength.
Rumble has a handful of gyms in New Jersey and New York, and more planned in New England, including in Somerville and Watertown.
DETAILS
Business: Rumble Boxing Gym
Location: Natick Mall
Cost: Single classes are $29, and there are different package and membership options.
How to find class times: book online
What to wear: Gloves (available for rent or you can bring your own), wraps (available for purchase and yours to keep), and traditional cross-training shoes or running shoes to keep you light on your feet. Wear something you feel comfortable moving in.
Charles River School has a new leader
Charles River School in Dover welcomes Gabe Burnstein as Head of School. Burnstein comes to CRS via Providence, where since 2018 he was the middle school director at The Gordon School. He arrived at Gordon in 2008 as a faculty member in humanities and served as an 8th grade advisor. During his tenure as middle school director in 2018 he hired and supervised faculty, oversaw student schedules and support systems, and helped the school weather the COVID pandemic. In addition, he has presented at numerous workshops and conferences and served as a consultant to schools across the country on policies and teaching practices related to diversity, equity, and belonging.




Burnstein earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Film at The University of Michigan. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Independent School Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. He began his career at Campbell Hall School in California.
Pet World to celebrate 10,000 cat adoptions
Pet World, located at its new Sherwood Plaza space, celebrates it 10,000th cat/kitten adoption on Saturday, July 15, 12-4pm.
Check out the new Kitty City, as there will be games, raffles, etc.
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