Rumble Boxing was founded in New York City in 2017 as a group fitness concept delivering a combination of boxing circuits & strength training. Pro and amateur fighters glove up together, no matter their fitness level or skill, to reveal their inner fighter. The experience is a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength workout crafted around specially designed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags. The NYC-born brand has amassed a strong national presence with locations from coast to coast with a global presence in Japan, Australia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Kuwait.
In early 2024, Anthony Badalian was offered the opportunity to join Rumble Boxing as Senior Vice President of Operations. Focused on scaling the business and implementing proven strategies, by the end of the year he was honored to be named President of Rumble, entrusted with preserving its legacy, championing the brand’s remarkable franchise owners, and leading the team into the next phase of Rumble’s evolution.
What do you see as Rumble Boxing’s core identity?
At its core, Rumble Boxing is all about individual fitness. Whether or not you ever step into a ring, Rumble is your training ground to battle prep for life’s greatest challenges. Our mantra, “How You Fight, Is How You Live,” reflects the energy our members bring to every workout, preparing them to take on whatever comes their way.
Beyond the workout, the Rumble universe is a collection of the most passionate and inspiring fitness instructors on the planet, with a member community of aspiring fighters who are ready to push their limits. With our signature workout high-energy playlists, immersive atmosphere, and state-of-the-art equipment, Rumble delivers an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
What inspired you to get involved with Rumble Boxing, and how has your personal journey influenced your approach to the brand?
In early 2024, I transitioned from my role as Vice President of Sales at Club Pilates, part of the Xponential Fitness family of boutique wellness brands, to join Rumble Boxing as Senior Vice President of Operations. With a focus on scaling the business and implementing proven strategies, I was honored to be named President of Rumble by the end of the year. In this role, I am committed to preserving the brand’s legacy, supporting our incredible franchise owners, and leading the team into the next phase of Rumble’s evolution.
Rumble is the perfect fit for me as I’ve always been drawn to its bold identit inclusive feel, and dynamic personality. The combination of boxing and strength training under one roof creates an unmatched experience that aligns perfectly with my own personal workout style. This makes the role even more fulfilling, as I genuinely practice what I preach.
Looking back on my journey thus far and how it has shaped my leadership approach, my philosophy comes down to three core elements: people, process, and product. Success starts with building a strong, results-driven team, implementing strategic processes to drive profitability and growth, and continuously evolving the product (or service) to attract and retain customers while staying ahead of the competition.
What is your vision for Rumble Boxing over the next five years, and how do you see it evolving in the fitness industry?
My vision for Rumble Boxing is clear: to strengthen our open studios, expand into new global and domestic markets, grow our membership base, and enhance the overall member experience.
To achieve this, we are implementing a “triple threat” strategy that targets three key areas to support our franchisees, the brand, and our members:
- Building a globally aware, culturally adaptable brand that fosters loyalty, reduces market entry risks, and drives sustainable growth.
- Driving member acquisition and retention by attracting new members, engaging them actively, dedicating focus to innovation, and fostering long-term loyalty.
- Amplifying the Rumble experience by delivering exceptional classes and services that set us apart, create a sense of exclusivity, and reinforce our position as a premium brand.
Each pillar of this strategy is crafted to enhance our marketing efforts, drive sales initiatives, and elevate the overall member experience – the fundamental verticals of our business.
Rumble will continue to evolve within the fitness industry by enhancing aspects of the business to fuel growth and enrich member engagement. Our initiatives include expanding training and development across corporate and field teams, bolstering corporate support functions, and refining class offerings evaluating wearable technology to elevate our programming. Additionally, we are optimizing sales processes, and broadening our market approach through PR, digital campaigns, collaborations, endorsements, partnerships, and content creation. A new brand ambassador program is also launching to deepen engagement.
We are also working closely with Rumble’s Co-Founder, Noah Neiman, whose guidance and influence play a pivotal role in shaping our growth strategies while ensuring we stay true to Rumble’s authentic roots.
As the fitness industry evolves, Rumble will evolve with it to continue to create the very best consumer experience – always staying true to our vision of becoming a global destination for members to unleash their inner champion with every fight.
With the rise of boutique fitness brands, how does Rumble Boxing plan to stay competitive and continue attracting new members?
Rumble Boxing is uniquely positioned in the fitness industry because the combination of boxing and strength training is both effective and has limited availability. The boxing industry as a whole is thriving, fueled by the resurgence of professional boxing, increased excitement in the sport and the developments in training equipment. As a workout, I believe boxing is gaining momentum due to the rising popularity of strength training paired with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This powerful combination of strength and endurance is exactly what today’s fitness enthusiasts are seeking, alongside the added appeal of learning martial arts or self-defense.
That’s where Rumble stands out. We combine the best of both worlds: boxing and strength training. Whether you’re seeking a fresh fitness challenge or empowering workout experience, Rumble delivers something unique and exciting. Our trainers will ensure you finish each workout feeling accomplished, with a sense of pride in the courage it took to complete the class.
To stay ahead of competition, we are continuously enhancing aspects of the member experience, from our studio designs, music, lighting, and visuals to refining our programming. We’re also curating innovative workouts, launching frequency challenges, evaluating wearable technology and forming strategic partnerships to boost engagement and retention. Similarly, we are enhancing our services by introducing private and semi-private training, group workouts, and corporate wellness programs over the next year. Additionally, we are exploring an open studio concept, allowing members to access the studio during non-class hours, encouraging them to stay active and progress toward their goals.
Lastly, we’re deeply committed to investing in our trainers who are the heart and soul of our business, providing them with advanced coaching and education so they can deliver exceptional classes to our valued members. By staying innovative and pushing boundaries, Rumble will continue to lead in the fitness space and offer an experience that stands out in an ever-evolving industry.
Are there plans for expanding Rumble Boxing into new markets or introducing new workout formats?
With nearly 100 studios globally across six countries and counting, Rumble Boxing’s expansion is exciting, but our focus remains on delivering quality for our franchise owners and members above all else. Opening and supporting studios successfully is our priority. This entails working closely with our open studios to offer them the personalized support needed for their continued success and maturity, ensuring they become the premier fitness destination for the communities.
When it comes to new workout formats, staying committed to product evolution is a core part of my philosophy. We are always exploring ways to enhance the member experience by introducing new class offerings, specialized workout formats, and progression levels that provide a clear pathway for member growth. Our latest addition, Straight-Up Boxing (launched in February 2025), is designed to sharpen your skills as a fighter with eight rounds of bag work and two rounds of core training. Looking ahead, we’re also developing a new version of our strength-only format, set to launch in Fall 2025.
How does Rumble Boxing differentiate itself from other boutique boxing and fitness studios in terms of experience and culture?
Rumble Boxing is more than a workout – it’s a movement, a community, and a lifestyle experience. From the moment you step into our studios, you’re greeted with exceptional customer service and a vibrant sense of community. Every detail, from the aesthetic of the studio design to the atmosphere, reflects the cutting-edge nostalgia of Rumble’s New York City roots.
Once class begins, the immersive experience takes over. The curated music, dynamic lighting, and visual effects set the stage, but it’s our world-class trainers who truly make it unforgettable. Their energy, passion, and excitement remind our members that working out can be a damn good time!
Our 45-minute, 10-round, full-body workouts are designed for all fitness levels and deliver the ultimate fusion of boxing & strength training in a high-energy, educational, and motivational experience. Whether you’re throwing boxing combinations on our signature water-filled bags or breaking limits with our custom weight benches, Rumble offers a vigorous adventure that empowers and transforms.
Rumble is constantly evolving while staying true to the timeless essence of our roots and innate instincts. Guided by our mantra, “How You Fight, Is How You Live,” we continue to foster a community, movement, and lifestyle that grows without limits.
What do you think is the biggest challenge in scaling a fitness brand like Rumble?
The fitness industry today presents both exciting opportunities and ongoing challenges. Key challenges include adapting to rapidly evolving technologies like AI, retaining members in an increasingly competitive market, addressing the impact of highly effective GLP-1 medications, and staying ahead in a constant shifting landscape that demands continuous evolution and strategic thinking.
To navigate these challenges, Rumble Boxing will prioritize innovation, adaptability, and deliver exceptional, value-driven experiences in our studios, ensuring we keep members engaged while attracting new ones.
Anything else to add?
Rumble Boxing is an incredible brand, not just because of the amazing workouts, great music, or the epic atmosphere, but because of the people: our amazing Rumble fam, the community of members, and the movement we’re all a part of. It’s about the impact we make in the communities we serve.
Our mantra is, “How You Fight, Is How You Live.” It serves as both an inspiration and powerful reminder of the resilience, community, and determination we embody as we face life’s greatest challenges. Together, we fight for what truly matters—each other.
I invite everyone to visit a Rumble studio. It’s a life-changing experience that will challenge you in ways you never imagined.
I believe in our franchise owners, our corporate team, our mission and vision, and most of all, what this brand stands for. I am truly honored to represent and lead this brand, and I believe there are no limits to what we can achieve!
