I got to visit one of Brickell's newest sweat zones- CKO Kickboxing Miami. The first of 77 locations nationwide in Miami, CKO Kickboxing Brickell delivers an action packed workout that is sure to leave you sweaty. Their website explains that participants use real gloves and heavy bags with basic punches to keep the focus on fitness and classes open for all levels.I've done kickboxing a couple of times before at different places, but no one took the time to show me anything before class. It was more of a "here are your gloves- have a great class" kind of experience. When I got to CKO Kickboxing Brickell, they sized me for gloves and one of the instructors (Rodney) took about 15 minutes to go over the different punches, kicks and terms that I would hear in class. Awesome, right?When it was time for class to start the instructor made sure to introduce himself (my instructor was Sebastian) and we all warmed up with a few minutes of jumping rope. Next we eased into our workout with some light punching. We started doing a combination of punches and body weight moves.Then the fun started. We did a combination of punches for a few intervals, and separately, punches and kicks. Sebastian demonstrated everything and took time to walk around the class and make modifications to help everyone move properly. The "round" was topped of with an "attack" where you go at the bag with whatever you want for a short period of time while the instructors encourage you. Whew! Talk about an intense few seconds!
Afterwards we got resistance bands and did a creative and challenging circuit of resistance training. Just when I thought my muscles couldn't do another rep it was back to the bag! This time the class took turns using the battle ropes while working on angles with the bag to help better simulate an actual fight. We did a few more combos of punches and another attack before taking it to the floor for some core work. Once everything was said and done we were lead through some stretches before our workout was complete.Final thoughts on the whole experience? It was awesome. I had fun, I was challenged and at the end of the hour I felt like I had gotten a great workout in- and even gotten some aggression out with all the punching and kicking. A couple of key takeaways:
- It's for everyone- men and women alike. This isn't what one would expect when they think of a traditional grungy boxing gym like the ones you see on Rocky or whatever other boxing movie you've seen. It's a nice facility with everything you need for a great workout.
- You don't have to be in shape to come here. I know, I know- working out can be intimidating. So are a lot of things you've never done. But don't let that fear hold you back from taking a class- or from anything else for that matter. If you feel like you need to get in shape before taking a group fitness class then that's the opposite of how your coach and trainers will want you to think. Most coaches (myself included) became one so that we can help people get into shape- not so we can coach the fit people. Coaches want to help you feel comfortable in your own skin and get in shape so don't waste time trying to get there on your own so you can then come take a class.
Sign up for your free class at CKO Kickboxing Brickell here, and go have fun. Ask questions if you have them. Maybe I will even see you at the bag beside of you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckomiami/
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