CKO Kickboxing Hamilton

Had my first class and they were awesome. Vanessa was a great instructor!

I’ve tried exercise classes everywhere, including my local YMCA, martial arts dojos, a place called I Love Kickboxing (I don’t know if they’re still around), but I could never get myself motivated enough to continue going after the first week or two (begrudgingly).

Since the COVID pandemic, I’ve been working from home so I’ve become very sedentary and decided that I need to do something more than just walk my dog. I saw an ad for CKO’s 16 week challenge and decided to go to the introductory meeting to hear how they’re going to be different. During the meeting, I heard things that other places promised to deliver like a “fun” experience and all that. I was still skeptical that I would continue, but I signed up anyway. I told the instructor and the others that were there, that I am motivated now, but there’s no guarantee that I would still be motivated next week and that I’m the type of person who needs somebody to come to my house and drag me to classes or threaten to steal my catalytic converter if I don’t go, because I’m so bad with committing to these things. One of the other prospective participants offered to scoop me up on the way to class but we lived in opposite directions, so it was all on me.

I went to the first class and it was tough. I’m in my early 50s, overweight, and extremely out of shape, but I got through it and I loved it! I returned for a second class and enjoyed it as well! Third class was also very good/exhausting. I found that each instructor has their own style, but they all get you moving and keep you motivated throughout. Now, I’ve realized that the more classes I go to, the easier they get and the more excited I am to continue. It’s really very strange for me to feel this way about exercising because I’ve always hated it and always talked myself out of it, but something about the feeling of punching and kicking that bag is exhilarating! It’s exhausting for sure, but it’s great because they work out every part of your body. You’re not running around the perimeter of the gym to strengthen your legs and get your heart rate up, you’re boxing and kicking and standing in ways that make it more fun than just jogging or running. The stretching, planks and other activities strengthen your core and other muscles, so you truly get that whole body workout without getting bored!

this is an intense, nonstop workout. For those needing time to become reacquainted with intense cardio workouts, instructors are patient and encouraging. The focus is on motion, not pace or power. You'll commonly hear the instructors shout out, "Don't stop. If you need to adjust, adjust. But don't stop moving." I've added some weight in recent months since my regular gym closed these kinds of classes and am about 15+ lbs. heavier than I typically am. As someone with years of experience with this level of workout intensity, I can testify to this program's effectiveness. This extra weight will be off in a matter of a few weeks moving at CKO Hamilton's intensity. They deliver a wonderful workout and expect you to summon your best. That's hard to find. Try it. You'll like this program.

CKO has changed my life in the past year since I’ve been a member. The owner, John, is a amazing guy and instructor. The members and instructors here have become like a family to me. I feel stronger, healthier and better than ever since incorporating CKO into my life 3 days a week. I highly recommend joinging! You won’t regret it.