NEED A NEW FITNESS IDEA IN CHARLOTTE?

First of all, let me state up front that I don't necessarily want to go workout. There are a million other things I would rather do, and I can come up with any type of excuse to keep me away from the gym. Now, I also know that diet and exercise are really important for my physical and mental health so I make myself get up and move, sometimes I'm just a little slower than others.

One thing that has really helped me is to find a workout that is "fun", or at least as fun as a workout can be. Intuitively, I know that once I get there and start sweating, I feel much better and the rest of my day gets better as well. I've tried most of them too - big box gyms, boot camps, crossfit, you name it and I've given it a go. The problem has always been that I felt out of place there and honestly, didn't know what to do once I got there. It just seemed to add more reasons NOT to go...so I usually didn't.

Then I heard about a kickboxing style cardio workout that sounded fun. Fun was what I needed, something that would make me want to go workout. That's when I found 9Round Kickbox Fitness. I had read some positive reviews, so I decided to check out their website (9round.com/gwin). I was concerned (and a bit intimidated if I'm being honest), but they promote that you don't have to have any kickboxing experience at all, and you never fight or get hit. I was intrigued and there was a link to try them out, free of charge, so I did. It was really easy!

Once I got there, I was welcomed immediately by a trainer that was there just for me. The intimidation and fear left my body immediately, as they put me at ease the moment I walked in. They got to know me as a person, and what my fitness goals were. Once we had a quick chat, it was time for the workout to begin. Again, I was a bit apprehensive because I didn't know what I was doing and I had never boxed before, let alone kickboxed. My trainer assured me that we would go at my pace during the workout. You see, they can do that because they don't have classes, it is a circuit style training where each member works on their own station at their own pace. Each round is 3 minutes long, and then you rotate to the next station (or round) and do something entirely different. I really liked that for a couple of reasons - A. I didn't have to show up at a certain time for a "class". If I was running a little behind, or I was early, I could get started right away whenever I got there; and B. I didn't have to worry about slowing everybody else down or not getting in a great workout because I was waiting on them. 

Secondly, he was very patient with me and showed me every movement and made sure my form was correct, so I didn't get injured and I could maximize my workout. Another benefit they have is heart-rate training, so I can maximize my fat burn and increase my metabolism. He said we want to "work smarter, not harder!" The best part, however, was that I didn't have to think about anything except getting in a good workout. The workouts are pre-planned by the studio, and written on the board at each round. They change the workout everyday so I don't get bored and they even have a round where the trainer works directly with you on pads. So much fun!

Bottom line, I LOVED IT! I can't wait to go back. It's a lot easier getting my workout in now because I don't dread it. I've met so many people and developed friendships through the community. I can't recommend it enough - if you're looking for something different, something fun, you have to try it out. You won't be sorry!