Boxing is becoming a trendy sport in Shanghai. And it's not just men signing up to punch someone in the face. More and more women are becoming attracted to the sport as a way to get fit and learn how to defend themselves.

It was only 7am in the morning, but this boxing club was full of new boxers who want to work up a sweat before heading to the office. The one-and-a-half hour class teaches the basic movements of boxing, one-on-one practice and combat exercise. For most boxers here, it's their first time trying the sport. 

Wow, it's not easy, but it is very exciting. Just like me, most of the boxers here are beginners who have taken lessons for less than three months. And the violent sport is even attracting more women to take part. They say the sport helps them stay healthy and get fit.

The boxing club says it has more than 300 members with more than one third joining this year. And almost half of the members are women. Catalina Del Castillo from the United States joined the club with some friends and says the sport is perfect for women looking to be more courageous. 

Boxing is in a group of emerging exercises along with yoga, cycling and long-distance running. One gym manager says nearly 90% of people who do sports change to something else after several months to stay interested in doing exercise.