CKO Kickboxing

Fun, high energy workout. Instructors are clear and motivating.

The Sunday morning kickboxing class with Rosa kicked my butt! That tiny woman is tough, but fair. She'll call people out for incorrect form and/or not trying hard enough and will work with you to push you to achieve more.

I came here through Classtivity, although they currently have a deal that if you check in through Yelp, you get a free orientation class, and it was a great discovery. If it's your first time here and especially if it's your first time kickboxing or trying a martial arts or self-defense class, I highly recommend that you come early to review the basics with the instructor. There's not really time for detailed instructions during the class; it's just go go go.

The class is set up as a series of intervals. After a quick warm-up with the jump rope, there's stretching, then you go into an instructed round of jabs, hooks, and front kicks with the punching bag. Then there's a round of burpees and jump squats, all those things you love to hate but know you must do to keep that heart rate up and keep you strong. Then there are "attack" rounds which is like everyone's secret dream of being able to just go crazy and beat the crap out of a punching bag however you want. Blah blah blah more rounds of bicycles and side touches followed by rounds of instructed punching and kicking moves then jumping jacks followed by more attack rounds. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The place is set up with two lines of about 10 punching bags and the class I attended was pretty full of both regulars and first timers. They provide you with gloves or you can bring your own. Obviously, if you can bring your own gloves, please do as borrowing gloves that are laid out for public use isn't always ideal both in terms of fit and smell. Also, you should bring your own towel and water bottle as you will be sweatin'. They have lockers in the back or you can just keep your things by you in the cubbies.

Overall, great class that gets you going. As with all workout classes, you get what you put in and I would recommend that for people not so familiar with kickboxing, they try some kind of beginner's class first so they don't hurt themselves or accept the learning curve as there really isn't much time for detailed individual instruction once class starts.

A totally addictive and incredible workout. Best way to get in GREAT shape and stay there. Incredible results fast! Super cool friendly and fun staff - very helpful and easy to talk to.

Kickboxing is intense, but here, you can work at your level and you are always challenged to take it up a notch. Instructors are encouraging and fierce without being intimidating. They get to know you quickly and don't let you slack, but there's a good balance of humor too. The people who attend classes are well-mixed and down-to-earth. Plus, it's remarkably refreshing not to have flashing screens, clocks, or treadmills in the space. CKO earns its street cred :)

I love kicking and punching and was looking for a place that offers classes that are challenging, yet don't feel like brutal punishment, and this place is the best. The environment is laid back, the music is fun, but no matter what, I get a tiring, strength-building workout. Most importantly, that balance of fun yet hard keeps me coming back more consistently than any fitness program or martial arts place I've joined in the past.