All of you out there hitting your heavy bag in the basement-- five combinations and then updating facebook out of boredom (I was guilty of it!) Just try the class. The routine is really challenging. I used to be a member of CKO before moving out of state-- with my ADD, this is exactly what I needed! Thanks, Andy
I train at Dark Horse BJJ. Our stand-up conditioning consists of really just doing a bunch of strikes, but not as much push as I need. I have been using this for a week and my conditioning is really getting better. My stand-up is not my strong suit so I needed something like this. Pat
I am very satisfied with the quality of the product. I use it in addition with P90X. This is a hard hitting work out but is very motivating, unlike my iTrainer. and Bas workout. Sandy
This is a great workout! Its easy to follow, and works for anyone at any level of conditioning. Coming in with basic kickboxing/boxing knowledge in useful, but not absolutely necessary. When using these classes, try not to take it easy. Just do more or less rounds to match your fitness level, but go all out on everything you do and you will see endurance and power gains very quickly. With proper diet, you will also get ripped doing these and you will not be disappointed. Matt
Mike is a really enthusiastic instructor so he is good at keeping you motivated while staying serious about doing things the right way and at full power. The class is audio so you can focus more on what youre doing without distraction. His explanations on the technique are so good I think a blind person could do it! I have it on my iPod touch and I have been using the Hoboken gym mid-days. JIM
NICE!!! Im anxiously awaiting the next one!
Awesome product for working out! Follow the directions and it will bring your heart rate right up. A bag is really helpful for power, but not necessary - though it is a pretty good idea to learn how to hit something! Linda
Well worth the money- for 10 bucks I think its a steal! I have used it every day since it came out. Even if I used it once a month its worth it. An overall easy to follow workout that kicks your ass- any time, any place! Mike changed me into a well-oiled machine ready to hit the beach. Jeff
I started going to CKO since it was a hole in the wall back in 99. We moved to Philly and I missed CKO more then I miss my family. Michael is skilled at motivating people above all else. I know how to strike but I get bored after a minute. Mike gives you detailed descriptions on the strikes and exercises and I must admit it was very challenging when I first started- especially when he yells out punch and kick combos. After having two kids, I need this so bad!! Please open a CKO in Philly KarlWhat are the advantages of this unique audio kickboxing cross training - how can this workout in particular help you lose fat and tone up? How is it better, calorie wise, then say...hopping on the elliptical trainer or running 5 miles?
When people hear kickboxing they assume it's all the same and all interchangable, but it's not. Our brand of kickboxing/cross training is completely unique. There are a lot of factors involved that allow you to burn more calories and tone up faster than the elliptical trainer or running. We do it all: warm up, stretch, calisthenics, plyometrics, running/sprinting, core training and of course, hitting a heavy bag. Our workouts are tailored to get you lean and toned up fast. Many other popular workouts are designed for other reasons. For example, if your goal is to be able to finish a marathon- you're going to start running. Now your main goal is to run faster each workout, rather than lose fat or tone up. Of course, many people will lose weight as a nice side effect, but it may not happen as quickly as you'd like. We've designed our workout with the primary goals being fat loss and toning up.
A lot of people are concerned with the bottom line. "How many calories will I burn?" If you're are asking yourself this question, you probably need a different workout. If you talk to our members, they would tell you that they look forward to coming to class more than anything else. When you feel this way about something-- when working out is no longer a means to an end-- it becomes a passion. A habit. You'll stick to the program because you love it. The members of CKO look forward to the physical and mental release you get by pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion. The fact that they also burn more calories then other workouts is just an outstanding byproduct. Doing what you actually enjoy is the true secret to losing fat and keeping it off. If you can do that on the elliptical machine-- great! If you hate working out period, please try one of our classes. You will become a believer!
How soon do people typically begin to see results from your program? What is the minimum number of classes per week that you recommend to see desired results?
Again, I don't want to make working out a chore. I usually have to convince beginners to take a day or two off because they enjoy it so much! Depending on your fitness level, you can start with 2- 4 classes a week. Then as you build up strength and endurance, you can take as many classes as you please. To answer your most important question-- people see results within the first couple weeks. It all depends how fit you are when you start. We have people at very high levels of fitness working out right next to people who are just starting out. One thing I can absolutely guarantee is that you will FEEL the result of a class immediately. That's why we coined the phrase 'INSTANT RESULTS' lol!
As head trainer, what are your main goals and responsibilities? Are you constantly evolving the class and thinking of ways to improve it even more?
My main goal is to make sure that every person who walks into a CKO is given the means and opportunity to reach their highest possible fitness goals. People have a lot of choices in this town, and I feel honored that they would take an hour out of their busy lives to experience one of our classes. I've trained an amazing group of extraordinarily talented instructors to take advantage of one hour, making it effective, efficient and most importantly, FUN. The residents of Hoboken regard time as their most precious resource. They are getting hit with nonstop phone calls, emails, texts and who knows what else! When was the last time your mind was totally blank and you felt 'in the moment'? It's my job to create that experience every time you walk in the door. When you leave the gym you are physically and mentally at the top of your game. I use all the resources I have-- the language I use in class is carefully structured to reach your brain in a particular way, motivating and pushing you without causing you to sustain an injury. The exercises we do are designed to be customized based on your fitness and skill levels. I read each class's pace and energy level and keep them focused on the next step, using drills that compliment the energy at each moment. I teach up to four classes a day, so I constantly have to evolve and improve the classes to keep the members' energy at its peak. I focus on the fundamentals and add carefully crafted drills to keep them guessing. Kickboxing and cross training are great forms of working out because there is always another level to go up to. For example; if you just learned the jab, or if you are Mike Tyson, you have to work that jab over and over to perfect it. Every time you throw it, you're refining and polishing it, working on power, technique, speed, finesse etc. That's why people have been taking my class for 10+ years in some cases! Investing in your body and health are the most important investments you will ever make. In the end, it doesn't matter if it's CKO Kickboxing, running, or any other form of exercise-- do what YOU enjoy, and keep doing it!
If I randomly grabbed someone walking out of one of your classes and asked them to give me three words to describe you AND/OR your class...what might they be?
We've heard it all-- Addictive, Brutal, Invigorating, Exhausting, Stimulating, Loud, Sweaty, Funny, Insane... I guess it depends on how you're feeling when you arrive!
I believe the advantage of our form of Kickboxing/Cross Training is our ability to take one hour, design a full-body workout, and combine the mental release of hitting a heavy bag with the motivation of an amazing instructor and loud music. Obviously this is not the same as doing "Karatesize" or punching some one in the head.
We have designed a workout that brings members the best of all worlds. You can be a professional fighter or a soccer mom and get the most outstanding workout of your life here. Elliptical machines and running are good workouts, but how many times do people join gyms or buy the elliptical machine, and in no time at all it's collecting dust or is acting as a clothes hanger! The reason we were able to grow from a location of 2,000 sq.ft. to 27,000sq. ft. in two gyms in Hoboken is because people became addicted to the workout. People reach a physical and mental high every time they step into CKO kickboxing.
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