Want to work the whole body? Knock yourself out with boxing lessons

Jovanni Pratt hits a heavy bag during her workout at City of Angels Boxing.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Folks looking for a good workout are among a growing number of people who are taking up boxing not to get in the ring and fight but to improve their cardiovascular health. This class at City of Angels Boxing in Los Angeles draws a diverse group.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lisa Roth, left, Isaak Lekach and Jessica Amlee skip rope in a ring as they continue a workout at City of Angels Boxing.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Owner and trainer Alexander Brenes leads a class at City of Angels Boxing. Brenes says that, unlike repetitive cardiovascular workouts, in boxing, students are training like professionals. “I train everybody as a fighter. It doesn’t matter what you want to get out of it. The best results come when I have day-to-day people looking like real boxers.â€�  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Audra Skaates draws a breath as she raises the intensity of her workout at City of Angels Boxing.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Harold, left, and Harriett wait patiently on the sidelines as their owner, Lisa Roth, works out at City of Angels Boxing.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lisa Roth smiles through the pain of a plank as she works out at City of Angels Boxing.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Audra Skaates dons gloves in her heavy bag workout at City of Angels Boxing.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Jackson Pratt, 7, and his brother, Landon, 5, left, try their hands at boxing as their mother, Jovanni, right, works out at City of Angels Boxing.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Kunal Saini tapes his hands before working out.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Christina Reeves catches her breath as her boxing workout nears an end.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)