Different Gyms have very different attitudes.. Some gyms have professional trainers that really just want to take on guys who want to compete, and rightfully don't have time for anyone else.

Other Gyms are more oriented to holding classes where ANYONE can come and join, whether they are coming for a day, or for the next 10 years...

Just try another Gym.. Boxing is a great sport to learn... Even if you don't like getting punched in the face, most gyms won't throw you into a situtation where your going to get punched in the face, unless your ready and willing (eventually you will be, and you'll welcome some glove to glove combat)..

If finding a good boxing gym fails, call your local police station, and they usually have places they train where it's open to public also..

Finally failing that, you can go to just a regular gym and see if they have any "boxersise" classes.. It's not completely boxing, but you'll pick up the basics and get very fit at the same time. Without much risk of getting punched in the face either,,, and then after that you may want to learn skills a little more seriously, and you can hook up with one of the more boxing oriented Gyms.