Many fitness centers now offer boxing classes, providing easy access for those who normally shy away from spit buckets and uppercuts (a trend that may have helped knock local boxing-only gyms M&M and Granelli's down for the count). The gyms listed below have a proper ring and offer lessons; a few are dedicated boxing gyms. They cater to all genders and skill levels, whether you're a novice looking for a lively alternative to the gym routine or an ex-Golden Glove seeking to recapture the adrenaline rush of head-to-head sparring. Most offer a free trial period, so it's worth a shot. And maybe next time the neighborhood bully says, "Three o'clock, the bike racks, be there," you'll be ready.

Crunch Fitness isn't the place for office worker bees to escape the tentacles of the Internet: wired equipment allows you to surf the Web as you exercise. But the sleek facility also offers members free classes in circus sports, firefighter training, and yes, boxing. Mental empowerment, conditioning, and technique are stressed; sparring is permitted. 1000 Van Ness, S.F. (415) 931-1100,

Fairtex Combat Sports Camp

The world-class instructors at Fairtex Combat Sports Camp teach all levels of several Eastern fighting forms, but if your style is more Ali than Bruce Lee, they'll be happy to school you in good old-fashioned boxing. Between pad training and bag drills, hit the weight room or the cardio machines. Membership is $95 a month; private lessons start at $40 an hour. 444 Clementina, S.F. (415) 512-7727; 2995 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City. (650) 994-5025.

Fight and Fitness

The newest ring in town, Fight and Fitness belongs to former Fairtex head trainer and 350-fight veteran Bunkerd Faphimai. If coffee isn't enough to get you going in the morning, Faphimai's boot-camp training classes in Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach at the butt-crack o' dawn should do the trick. Fight and Fitness holds monthly tournaments and offers group and private Western-style, Muay Thai, and kickboxing classes. 734 Bryant, S.F. (415) 495-2211.

Gorilla Sports

Having started the "extreme" health club phenomenon almost a decade ago in San Francisco, Gorilla Sports has now spread to metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago, proving there are lots of yuppies out there who want to kick ass. Focused more on training than on competition, this Bally's affiliate offers private and group boxing lessons, as well as other martial arts and dance-focused classes. Only the Sutter Street location has a ring. 2450 Sutter, S.F. (415) 474-BOXX; 2330 Polk, S.F. (415) 292-5444; 2324 Chestnut, S.F. (415) 292-8470

Third Street Gym

Third Street Gym isn't for those who want a little yoga mixed in with their weight-lifting. Every inch of this 3,700-square-foot pugilist's paradise is dedicated to boxing. Those looking for a heavyweight workout should talk to Paul Wade and Simon Redmond, two Dublin-bred, ex-Golden Gloves champs who'll have you stretching, skipping, and lifting until you're ready to step into either of the gym's two rings. Membership fees vary, starting at $50 a month for students. 2576 Third St., S.F. (415) 550-UBOX,

World Gym

A membership at World Gym includes free group boxing classes, and private lessons tailored toward individual goals are available. If someone starts a beef in the weight room over your squat-thrust form, you can put your skills to the test in the ring. 290 De Haro, S.F. (415) 703-9650,

Concord Community Youth Center's

Concord Community Youth Center's boxing program is for anyone age 8 to 18. The dirt-cheap fee for 30-year veteran Gary Sullenger's classes is $20 a month. Students who wish to fight competitively can opt for additional training. 2241 Galaxy Court, Concord. (925) 671-7070,

East Oakland Boxing Association

East Oakland Boxing Association is lending a helping fist to the community by teaching youngsters how to beat the crap out of one another. Former Golden Gloves champ Stanley Garcia founded the gym in 1989 to keep kids off the streets and help them channel their anger into a disciplined and esteem-building activity. The free program is open to anyone age 8 to 20. 816 98th Ave., Oakl. (510) 569-7808.

Home to several aspiring amateurs and seasoned vets of the sweet science, Kings Boxing Gym offers private and group classes. On-site amenities include a weight room and cardio machines. 843 35th Ave., Oakl. (510) 261-2199.

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