This is the only workout I've ever stuck out through…read more
I've seriously tried it all. Zumba, yoga, Pilates, barre, even a general membership at LA Fitness. Nothing ever did it for me. I would go to the gym, complete my workout, and then dread the next time I'd have to do it again.
I tried ClassPass at some point and that at least helped in the variety, but I never really felt home at the gym. I'm a total bookworm, never been a gym rat, but CKO Kickboxing may be showing me that you can be both and there's no shame in that.
Originally I went to the CKO back south in Brickell. I was introduced to that gym thanks to Diandra L., the former Yelp community manager for Miami. She had somehow gotten CKO Brickell to give a group of us Yelpers a free class and I remember getting out of there sweating like a pig and somehow intrigued by the workout.
I eventually reached out to CKO Brickell and did some classes, even getting a membership. Then I got injured, my office moved, and the location just was no longer convenient for me. To top it off, the pandemic made me lazy and it felt as if I would never work out again. Cue the pandemic making me rethink my life and moving up to Broward County, where I remembered there were more branches of CKO, and CKO Pembroke Pines just happens to be the closest one to me.
It was late August. Or maybe early September? It was a Sunday. On a whim, I showed up at CKO Pembroke Pines. I remembered how much I loved CKO Brickell and I just had had it with being a couch potato. I showed up around 11 AM and got to meet Aiyana and Kani. I got some info from them and called later on in the week to set up the details for a free week of kickboxing classes.
The day I finally went to my first class, it was at 6 AM. I really don't know what possessed me. I typically worked out evenings, but I opted for a change. Olga, who I later learned was the owner and she really is the sweetest thing, personally set me up with gloves and wraps. Kendrick was teaching that morning, a Wednesday. I remember getting out of there being shell shocked at how bent out of shape I literally was.
I somehow made it my mission to get active. Specifically to be energized. There were days I wanted to give up, but I kept on pushing. Heck, there are days I still do feel that way. People seem to think I'm more athletic than I actually am. I'm not. I'm just determined to live a healthy lifestyle. Believe me when I tell you that I was that kid who detested running the mile, and more so, to this day I can only do a girly push-up.
Despite these shortcomings, I've never once felt judged for them at this gym. Each and every person I've met has been downright lovely. It's a family, tried and true. When I've been out for some time, I get asked out why, and funnier still, I've gotten to the point of telling them beforehand. It's so nice to be part of a community that remembers your birthday, spontaneously congratulates you on your 100th class, and actually is happy for you when you vacation.
Honestly I'm thrilled to be part of CKO Pembroke Pines. It's no longer a pain to work out. I look forward to it now even. I recommend you heavily trying them out. What started out as a hope has become a dream. I am a little Energizer Bunny now. That and while I may never be an Olympian, I feel faster and stronger. That in itself has made all the difference.
