Tomorrow I plan on signing up at a local boxing gym. This is not boxercise type gym but rather an old school dingy gym that doesn't have formal classes but rather an open gym policy.
Has anyone else worked out in this kind of a gym? Since this isn't a formal class structure can you learn a lot in this type of atmosphere. Will someone come around and give you pointers? I know I got to ask the owners, but out of your experiences are people generally helpful in these type of gyms? Or do they just let you punch away sloppily/every man on doing their own thing?
Better off getting formal lessons or some privates with someone that know the basics... 
I did this before I moved to AZ for school, and it was a great environment to be in( for me anyways). They'll probably help you out at first, give you warm ups and workouts to do just to get you in shape , and they'll explain and show the basics of a jab and a few other punches ... And from there on out, your progression is up to you. If they don't offer pointers freely, ask for them. They'll help you. Just dedicate yourself and always be working... Even when you're going to get water, jog over to it. Show that you're a hard worker and even if you're not gifted athletically, they'll help you out
How do you get sparring time if you're going into one of those gyms? Do you have to be approved before you can spar? I've never been around that scene before but always thought it was pretty fascinating.
I have always heard that if someone asks you to spar...you shouldnt.
DiscipleDojo -
How do you get sparring time if you're going into one of those gyms? Do you have to be approved before you can spar? I've never been around that scene before but always thought it was pretty fascinating.
I'm curious about this also.
Ted Waltner -I have always heard that if someone asks you to spar...you shouldnt.
LOL..I know right? It'd probably end with me having a concusion and me drinking soup for the next 2 months. But how do you get into sparring people your own level or better that don't want to use you as a punching bag?
I personally prefer this style of gym. The round timer is going all day. You show up, and your 'class' starts when they start giving you things to do.
Don't worry about sparring if you're just starting out. If it's a pretty old school place, you'll do your warm-ups, bag work, and mitt work. You'll build a relationship with the trainers over time. Then they'll recommend sparring to you when they think you're ready. Not the other way around.
They want to be sure you're not some weirdo before you start sparring with their guys.
SanshiroSugata - I personally prefer this style of gym. The round timer is going all day. You show up, and your 'class' starts when they start giving you things to do.
Don't worry about sparring if you're just starting out. If it's a pretty old school place, you'll do your warm-ups, bag work, and mitt work. You'll build a relationship with the trainers over time. Then they'll recommend sparring to you when they think you're ready. Not the other way around.
They want to be sure you're not some weirdo before you start sparring with their guys.
Ya that's kinda what I figured. This is a pretty cool place. it's run by a couple old italian brothers and their sons. they all have some golden glove and some pro's in their. I figure i'll just keep on showing up and watch and try and mimick these guys techniques to my best ability and keep on woking hard with little talking. Hopefully one day they will let me play.
cheesesteak -SanshiroSugata - I personally prefer this style of gym. The round timer is going all day. You show up, and your 'class' starts when they start giving you things to do.
Don't worry about sparring if you're just starting out. If it's a pretty old school place, you'll do your warm-ups, bag work, and mitt work. You'll build a relationship with the trainers over time. Then they'll recommend sparring to you when they think you're ready. Not the other way around.
They want to be sure you're not some weirdo before you start sparring with their guys.
Ya that's kinda what I figured. This is a pretty cool place. it's run by a couple old italian brothers and their sons. they all have some golden glove and some pro's in their. I figure i'll just keep on showing up and watch and try and mimick these guys techniques to my best ability and keep on woking hard with little talking. Hopefully one day they will let me play.
Sounds like you've got the perfect attitude to fit in. Have fun!
SanshiroSugata - I personally prefer this style of gym. The round timer is going all day. You show up, and your 'class' starts when they start giving you things to do.
Don't worry about sparring if you're just starting out. If it's a pretty old school place, you'll do your warm-ups, bag work, and mitt work. You'll build a relationship with the trainers over time. Then they'll recommend sparring to you when they think you're ready. Not the other way around.
They want to be sure you're not some weirdo before you start sparring with their guys.
Pretty much this. If it takes awhile before you get to spar.... Just work harder and they'll put you in with an experienced guy eventually who will play defense and let you get used to the feeling of being in the ring with someone
The boxing gym I go to is like this for the seniors. Just go, show you're hard-working, not a dick (that's what will get you in those 'those' type of spars) and listen to people. Don't be afraid to ask for help or introduce yourself if you're new, it'll help people get to know you and help you.
Generally the case is one of the senior guys will just ask if you want to get involved in the sparring. That's the way it was for me anyway, then they know you and then you'll just have your in from there.
It might take a few weeks for help to start flowing freely so be patient. Boxing gyms like this see people come and go all the time so nobody is going to waste there time with you until they think you are sticking around. Once you make that conection it should be a great place to train but until then it might be a little lonely.
Go in there and tell them that you are a founding member of "Team Takedown" and that you think Boxers are overrated and that Royce Gracie would of spanked "Iron" Mike.
They will LOVE you.
No one is going to give you too much attention until you have been showing up for a while. I find this to be typical but don't take it the wrong way. Guys join up for gyms, try to make friends right away, train for 2 weeks, then stop coming. So don't be surprised by that, it's just that making friendships at boxing gyms can take a few months.
That being said, that doesn't mean you can't make new friendships quickly and get good training advice. I'd focus on being able to do 10 minutes straight of jump rope, then 3x3 minutes speed bag, and 3x3 minutes of shadow boxing before trying to get anyone to train you.
Good luck!
If you tell them you have done any former mma training they might bump the prices up on you. This happened to me once. From 15 to 80...
He said he's had mma guys drop by, learn something, then leave. 
Ya I definitely don't want to go there being the "that guy" who Tranes UFC...As a matter of fact as far as everyone is concerned i'm a total noob and just want to learn the sweet science. Thanks for the advice guys. I'm learning a lot about etiquette and when i should think about sparring in this thread.
I was lucky in the fact that I had my training partners from MMA come with me to train so I had guys to hold the mitts and spar with. I would've been on my own if they weren't there.