4.5/5.0 stars
Alright, this place needs a real, informative, Queen Elite style review. Want to know what you'll get from CKO Astoria for your first class? Great, read on!
Need to know:
+Bring boxing gloves, Muay Thai gloves, whatever you have. You will need them for class. If you don't have any, they sell them on the premises. You can't take class without them.
+Oh my God bring water. Just bring all the waters. You're going to need it.
+Sneakers are worn in class. I'm used to training barefoot, so I felt this was a point to note.
+There are two unisex bathrooms, which are the only private areas you can change in.
+There is no locker room, but a small section of space with about ~30 small square lockers. Bring your own lock.
The Setup:
CKO is like thousands of square feet. This is the largest space I've seen for a kickboxing gym, and I've been to many. It's rectangular, and down the middle, length-wise, are two rows of heavy bags. So. Many. Heavybags. They have more heavy bags than all the Modells and Sports Authorities in Astoria have in their stockroom, I think. But seriously, there's like 50.
There is a small "gym" area which consists of 1 bench, 1 Roman chair (with pull-up attachment) and some free weights and plates. Quaint, but useful. Plus lots of jump ropes.
The Introduction:
First class? Great. An instructor will do a personal mini-lesson on how to throw a jab, cross, hook, and kick. That's all you need to know, they're the most basic building blocks of kickboxing. It takes just a few minutes, so show up early.
The First Class:
Started off with some minimal stretching, followed by jogging laps around the room, which were occasionally interrupted by switching up on cue a different movement. So, run run run SQUAT. Run run run PUSHUP. Etc. There's tons of cardio. Hell, the whole class is cardio. Scottie likes to do (half) pyramids, which means, you'll do 1 rep, then 2, then 3, etc. all the way up to 10. The other half a pyramid involves going back down, but thank goodness that didn't happen. I barely made it to 8.
You'll definitely see a variety techniques. This is not one-dimensional. You'll do lots of punching combinations with jabs, crosses, hooks, and elbows. You'll be throwing Muay Thai style kicks, low and high, teep (forward thrust) kicks, knee strikes, side kicks, and crescent kicks. There's a learning curve with some of these moves if they're unfamiliar to you.
Everything is constantly getting switched up on you in 10 or 20 second intervals. Doesn't sound like a long time? Then why did I want to throw up all over the place less than halfway through the class? I'm not a wuss and I've done hard work outs, but it's been awhile since I got my butt kicked this hard.
You're never pushed to do anything you're uncomfortable with, but you are encouraged to try your best. If you need to modify or stop or drink water, you won't be bothered about it.
The class ends with some Plyo-type work outs, focusing on core and whatnot. This includes crunches, leg raises, etc.
You will not want to move for awhile when you're done.
When class is over, grab a sanitizing wipe from the dispenser nearby and clean down the heavy bag you used. Don't be gross.
Tuition:
+1 year membership is $69/mo, plus a $50 enrollment fee. If you sign up when you go, the enrollment fee is cut in half, to $25.
+There is an NYPD/FDNY discount for the 1 year - $10 off a month.
+There is a month-to-month option for $99/mo, but done for an initial 3 month commitment. No enrollment fee.
+I think there was a 6 month plan, but I kind of ignored it. It's something like $79/mo, no fee.
+You can buy a 10 class package for $150 ($15/class) to use whenever.
+If you cancel a 12 month commitment early, there is a $250 fee.
+You will continue to be billed your current rate after your commitment period is over unless you cancel.
*IMPORTANT* If you want to terminate your membership after your commitment period is over, you MUST give 30 days notice by certified letter to the gym. THIRTY DAYS. PAY ATTENTION. And don't get all angry when you didn't do that and still got billed, because now that's your fault.
Extra Info:
I will always, HIGHLY suggest handwraps. You can take class without them, but I can't stress enough how much they will protect your wrists and all tiny bones in your hands. Get the 180" ones, none of that 108" bullshit. Ask someone to teach you how to wrap up. The ONE time I didn't use hand wraps in the past, I sprained my wrist throwing a punch and couldn't use it properly for about 3-4 months. MONTHS. THAT'S A LONG TIME. USE WRAPS. I'M YELLING.
The class is coed, but predominantly female. Everyone seems nice enough.
You WILL burn a ton of calories. You get back whatever you put into it.
-.5 star for anyone who wants constructive criticism on technique during class. But! There will be a pad-work class coming soon. That sounds awesome. read more