Rachel Snider is the founder and owner of DC’s boutique boxing studio, NUBOXX. When she’s not taking her stress out on a punching bag, you might find her enjoying the DC monuments, biking across town, or indulging in her mom’s homemade rugelach. Get to know this amazing athlete/business owner!
Allie: What brought you to DC?
Rachel: I was living in Israel before I came here, on a Masa Israel program called Career Israel. I thought about grad school, and getting a masters in public health. I ended up getting a job in DC in public health and the city drew me in. I fell in love with it. George Washington University had the best public health program for me, and I ended up staying. I’ve been here for over 9 years now!
Allie: How did you discover your love for boxing?
RacheI: I was exploring new fitness options in DC, and stumbled upon a boxing class. Boxing sounded cool and I had seen a lot of celebrities and models boxing. I tried it out, and it made me feel so empowered. When I’m boxing, I don’t feel like I’m actually working out because I have to focus so much. That had me hooked.
Allie: What inspired you to open your own boxing gym?
Rachel: I realized I couldn’t box everyday in DC, because a lot of boxing gyms in the city were either grungy and mainly for fighters, or places that offered boxing only once a week or so. I was looking for the Soul Cycle of boxing that was clean with nice amenities, but couldn’t find it in DC. I thought it would be great if we had a boutique boxing gym that had the community feel of an old-school boxing gym. NUBOXX kind of snowballed from there.
Allie: What’s something that makes NUBOXX classes unique?
Rachel: At the end of class at NUBOXX, everyone comes together and says “CEO”. This means we’ve “conquered, evolved, and outperformed” in the class. We want to strengthen and empower our members throughout their workouts, and in their lives beyond the studio walls. Our hashtag is #BeYourOwnCEO.
Allie: What do you love the most about boxing?
Rachel: It makes me feel empowered. I feel like I can go about my day with my head a little bit higher. And it always leaves me wanting to learn more. The sport of boxing is not only about the fitness and conditioning, but it’s also a skill set and an art. Boxing is something that is built on with persistence and practice.
Allie: Describe your dream day in DC.
Rachel: I’d bike around the city, go downtown and visit the monuments. Then, I’d do some yoga, hang out with friends, go to happy hour. I love being by the water in DC – it clears my mind. I’d also take some time for self care – getting my nails done, just taking time for me.
Allie: What are your top 3 favorite DC restaurants?
Rachel: Most days, I am fueled by Sweetgreen. I love Chaia’s tacos in Georgetown. But when I stick close to home, I’m partial to Ghibellina or Estadio.
Allie: Who is the coolest Jew you know (or want to know)?
Rachel: Gal Gadot.
Allie: What’s your favorite Jewish food?
Rachel: My mom’s homemade rugelach.
Allie: What’s your favorite quote or piece of wisdom?
Rachel: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
Allie: What’s at the top of your travel bucket list?
Rachel: When I think of travel I immediately think about being abroad. The truth is, I need to put our National Parks – like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite – at the top of the travel list.
Allie: Something you want to do more of this year?
Rachel: To take more time for me. Being an entrepreneur can be all consuming most days…. but those mental breaks are key.
Allie: Anything that people would be surprised to know about you?
Rachel: I didn’t touch veggies or salad for the first 18 years of my life. Now kale salads and green smoothies are the staple of my diet.
Allie: Complete the sentence: When Jews of DC Gather…
Rachel: There’s a lot of food!
