Terrified of walking into a kickboxing class? Here's why you shouldn't be!

Have you been contemplating a workout program, but always seem to talk yourself out of showing up? A little reality check about what to expect at the gym can help!

“One of the biggest causes of gym intimidation is the mistaken belief that everyone there is already in shape,” says Ken Levy, trainer and instructor at Smash Hit Kickboxing Club. “Many of my clients have felt that they were not 'in shape enough' to go to the gym. When people are out of shape, and especially when they’re overweight, being nervous about feeling self-conscious at the gym is a common issue."

You may even be imagining a club filled with incredible bodies and sculpted supermodel athletes. It’s definitely an intimidating thought, but in reality, that’s not something you’ll ever experience on a typical day at the gym. Instead, you’ll see people with all different body shapes, looks, and types, who share a common goal- to seek continued progress one day at a time. 

The truth is, nobody’s perfect. And everyone’s at the gym for the same reason -- to improve.

Another common fear that can be easily disproved is that kickboxing requires naturally great coordination. “Take the initial worry about self-consciousness, and now throw in a skill related activity like kickboxing and heavy bag work, and one will think, ‘I can’t do that!’, Ken says. “About 80% of first time clients report to me that they are “uncoordinated”, even before their first class. When I tell them they’re going to feel very coordinated within a short time of training, I’m sure they don’t believe it.” 

However, almost anyone can develop the ability to execute these moves, and even to build up to 30 or 45 minutes of balanced, focused kicks, blocks, and punches, while dashing through the air or on heavy bags at 80% your maximum effort. Some of our most advanced students actually started out barely able to keep time to the music, but you would never know it to see them now! Open mindedness and guided repetition are the winning combination, so whatever your fears may be; don’t let them get in the way of your success! Come in and find out for yourself, that you really can do it! All you need to do is take the first step and then keep kickin’ :)!