Striking Beauties

When conjuring up the image of a serious boxer, it's natural for most people to picture a brawny man who is dripping with sweat, missing his teeth, and wearing a prosthetic bee stinger. Striking Beauties' founder, Dena Paolino—pretty, petite, and powerful female boxer—wanted to change that. Knowing that many females felt out of place in the male-dominated sport, Dena spearheaded her all-female boxing gym in 2009 to introduce fellow women to the exhilarating and physically demanding sport of boxing in a uninhibited, comfortable environment.

At the 24-hour studio, electric-pink walls beam down on cardio equipment, free weights, and punching bags. Here, Dena and her staff of certified instructors lead the studio's signature boxing workouts, which have been praised by an abundance of media publications. In each session, coaches lead energetic rounds of intense exercises and boxing movements designed to tone muscles, strengthen cores, and slim physiques, as well as boost self-confidence and determination. The staff also strives to build a sense of community amongst members, cultivating a space where women can encourage each other and network.