I've been coming to Ultimate Kickboxing and Fitness for some years now, I won't tell you it's an easy workout because it's not.  I hit 59 this year and am starting to fele my age, I can't bend and twist like the younger ones but that's ok.  I am always welcome in class and encouraged to do what I can do.  I feel like I'm the modifier.  When an exercise is a little too risky for my sacroiliac I don't do the full movemet I do what I can and I stil get every bit the workout.  I truly believe that just showing up is the whole battle, because oce you get there the energy is high and you are always welcome.  I use my arms a lot punching the bag and I like that as it increases bone density by using impact.  I like kicking the bag too and sometimes I come in cranky but leave sweaty and mellow.  Monique has really done an excellent job of offering many different kinds of classes for all types, I'm encouraging her to add a seniors class (haha), I told her we are out there.

Ondi Simmons

 
I have struggled with weight all my life. I am very skilled at putting on weight from poor eating habits and lack of consistent exercise. Life is full of daily stresses. Eating triple cheeseburgers while watching a lot of bad television was the way I chose to relieve that stress.

On June 5, 1980 I graduated from high school and weighed 180 pounds. During the 30+ years since then I have fallen into the pattern of gaining many pounds and then losing a few. I have tried running and several different gyms, but never stuck to any consistent exercise routine for more than a few weeks. Let's face it. Exercise is boring and a whole lot of work.

My good friend Georgina has been a member of Ultimate Kickboxing for many years. She is in excellent shape, knows about my struggles with weight, and for several years tried to convince me to join. I always resisted. When she described what Ultimate Kickboxing was all about, I told her I thought it was girly and definitely not for me. I ran several times a month, and that was my choice for exercise. Plus, running is free. Unfortunately, my weight keep increasing.    

At the beginning of July 2011 my weight was 261 pounds. It was out of control. At that time I decided to take Georgina's advice and join Ultimate Kickboxing. Nothing else was working so I figured it was worth a try. At that time I also decided to change my diet. I simply had to stop gaining and start losing weight.

From the beginning I liked kickboxing. It is a lot more fun than any other form of exercise I have ever done. It is much different from running because kickboxing is not a solitary, lonely activity. When I am in a kickboxing class, I feed off of the energy of everyone there. They keep me going and help me push myself to work harder. Kickboxing is different from a gym like 24 Hour Fitness because I don't have to train and motivate myself. The instructors at Ultimate Kickboxing show me exactly what to do every step of the way. I follow their lead and get a full-body workout. It is the best and most efficient workout I have ever had.

I lost about 15 pounds during the first month after I started kickboxing. By the end of the fifth month I had lost almost 75 pounds. Now I weigh 188 pounds. That is only 8 pounds more than the day I finished high school. I have more energy now than I have had in decades. I still enjoy kickboxing, and I didn't gain a single pound during the holiday season! Now when the stresses of everyday life overwhelm me, instead of eating cheeseburgers in front of the television I go kickboxing and wail on the bags. I think that's a much better option.

Roger Rivero  

8 years ago, my body was falling apart.  I was overweight, had osteoporosis, and was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my back and neck. I'm too young to give in so I joined kickboxing.  The cardio helped me lose weight and the bad resistance helped re-build bone and muscle strength.  I love it and noone can compare with results.  3 times a week and 8 years later, I no longer have osteo. My neck and back are strengthened and I owe this gym my health and happiness.  It hasn't gotten boring at all due to the highly motivational instructors and the varying schedule of classes.  Kickboxing is a lifestyle that can't be beat!

-Joan Moss

         

I  have struggled with weight all my life, mostly because I grew up with terrible eating habits and always looking for that quick fix. My parents worked long hours so I always had to fend for myself which meant "fast food" to my breakfast, lunch and dinner solutions.

As a young adult I joined every weight loss program imaginable. I have taken every magic pill under the sun with some successes and many failures but regardless, I ALWAYS gained the weight back and then some. These were all "quick" fixes to an issue that needed some serious attention and education.

One morning when I was feeling my usual "depressed" self I thought it would be a great idea to get on the scale and torture myself even more. Was I surprised to see the scale flashing 205 lbs? No, I wasn't surprised because I felt every ounce on me. I had now reached an all time low. The tears rolled down my face and acceptance had set in that I was obese and on my way to a short life span along with lots of health issues if I didn't get serious about finding the right way (the ONLY way) to a healthy new me.

My co-worker (who was also overweight) had joined Ultimate Kickboxing and would share with me her daily experiences. I cringed everyday to see how sore she was but was highly impressed how determined she was to go back and not let the soreness get to her. As the weeks went by I saw her bodychange, her self confidence grow and her motivation to eat right not be swayed by anyone. I knew I could be happy and healthy too if I would only submit and let go of the past and embrace and a new beginning......so I took that first leap of faith and joined the gym.

I picked bag 616 which was in the back of the room. I was embarrassed and shy. The instructors were kind and compassionate motivating everyone as they walked around the room. At one particular time when doing their rounds, they saw my face beet red and sounding as if I was having an asthmatic attack, they kindly gave me my dignity with a smile and a "thumbs up" saying, "you're doing great, keep it up"....and I did.

I went to the gym 5 days a week and gave it my all. I worked hard, stayed focused and chose to NEVER go back to the dark-depressed, despairing-unhealthy eating habit way again. The Ultimate Kickboxing became my home away from home, a sacred and safe place for me to be me, to let go of my stresses and the pressures of daily life. I grew to love the studio and found the most loving and amazing friendships.

Ultimately, the weight started to come off and I went from a size 18 to a size 7. Let me say that again because it feels so good just writing it down, I LOST 78 lbs!!!!!! I was so ecstatic and proud of myself that I chose to give myself a new goal! I wanted to wear a bikini for my 40th birthday so I asked Monique if she could help me with personal training to get toned and lose those last 15 lbs. That crazy girl took on the challenge and we worked out hard for months.

August 10, 2010, I was surrounded by the people I love on a beach in Key West, Florida wearing a bikini with a smile on my face feeling absolutely fantastic having the time of my life.


Isn't it time for YOUR testimonial? What are YOU waiting for? Ultimate Kickboxing can help you get to your goals and dreams with the help of their amazing instructors. I am living proof that it works so don't wait, start your new life today!


Rose Perez

One year ago I made the decision that “It was time for a change”!!!! Every year I was gaining more and more weight. In December of 2008 I was at my heaviest. I didn’t have any idea of how many pounds I was until I stepped on the scale for the first time in my life. The number was shocking, 290 lbs. I couldn’t believe the number, but at the same time I knew that I had to do something about it. Diets never worked for me!!! The fact that I was restricted made everything even more desirable. I tried to work out on my own but it never seemed to make me happy. I was always bored.
One day I found a book in my friend’s house and I can say that, that particular book changed my life. The book was called “The Eat-Clean Diet”. It didn’t take long to finish it .The book really taught me how to eat clean. It showed me all the mistakes that I was doing. I learned to eat small meals every 2.5 to 3 hours and drink a lot of water. Simple swaps that made a BIG difference!!!!!
I mentioned to my friend that I wanted to find a kickboxing place near me because I knew diet and exercise go hand in hand. I couldn’t join a Gym because I thought what I can do there that I can’t do at home. Plus kickboxing was something different and it just looked so cool and fun.
My friend gave me the number of Ultimate Kickboxing and I gave them a call.
Then a lovely and an energetic voice told me that I can come and give it a try for free so I can make sure that kickboxing was really my thing.
I went the same day and I met Monique. She wrapped my hands and I was ready to go. I was so worried if I would be able to keep up with all the people in my class. They all looked like they were in great shape. I was embarrassed of myself. As soon as the class started, the beat of the music got me pumped up. The trainers were there to support me! They were helping me out and soon enough I was so into it that I no longer cared that I wasn’t as good as the rest. Becoming a member of Ultimate Kickboxing was the best thing I ever did. Not only did I gain my life and self-esteem back, but I got a lot of great friends who were and still are my support group. They all helped me learn the moves and gave me tips that made my first few months easier.
Time passed by and the weight was coming off. The first month I lost 14  lbs. I couldn’t believe it I was loosing weight, eating right and at the same time having lots of fun. For the first time I thought I had it all figured out and all thanks to Monique and the trainers at Ultimate Kickboxing. The fact that I was able to run up and down the stairs ,run on a treadmill for 20 min straight and have all the energy that I can possible have kept me going 5 days a week doing sculpting classes that made me stronger and really kicking butt in my work outs.
And now one year later almost 100 lb less I’m happier and healthier then I have ever been and I owe it all to the instructors at the Ultimate kickboxing!!!

Milena

When the stress of WASC found principal John Maloney carrying an additional 30 pounds, he started listening in earnest to his "guru" English teacher Pam Holcombe, who away from campus teaches kick boxing at Ultimate Kickboxing. For months Holcombe and school secretary, Shirley Borroughs had been after Maloney to take up the sport. His all-consuming work on the school's accreditation left him feeling stressed and out of shape. As his milestone fiftieth birthday, approached Maloney gave in to Holcombe.

Maloney worried that committing to doing kickboxing would take up valuable work time, but Holcombe convinced him to try it out. She invited him to attend three free sessions. After his initial sessions, Maloney was a believer. At first Maloney and his wife, Katie Maloney a teacher at Cram Elementary in East Highland attended classes three times a week. The couple found that kickboxing was one more way they could spend time together. They now spend five nights a week working out.

Until he found himself "addicted" to the sport, Maloney described himself as singularly unathletic and uncoachable. Working at REV, he found himself surrounded by other administrators who were jocks. Lacking a natural athleticism left Maloney feeling that he did not measure up in some situations. While he describes himself as a confident leader, sometimes being "on display" was difficult for him.

Almost a year and a half later, Maloney feels trasformed by his exercise program. He arranges his day so he can get to his aerobic kickboxing sessions with his instructor Pam Holcombe. If he leaves school at 4:00 with work undone, he returns after his class. In the seventeen months he’s been at it, he has built muscle and stamina. He is thirty pounds lighter.

And the stress? His sparring has taken it down measurably. "Hitting is a release," Maloney said. For someone who spends his workday being on, kickboxing is a time when he can lose himself. The routine and commitment of the sport have built his confidence and his resources. "Kickboxing has made me more confident about the world and how it works, and that translates into my work," Maloney said.
Maloney loves challenges. An avid reader, he tries to stretch his mind with the material he reads.
There is a parallel between the academic and the athletic Maloney. It is about continuing to grow.

If you quit growing, you're ready for the grave," Maloney said.
Not yet, Maloney.

I've struggled with my weight since I was about 8 years old. I was never active and wasn't taught to eat well. I stopped weighing myself when I reached 235 pounds but knew that I got heavier, just never had the heart to get back on the scale. As I got older, I started working out and lost enough weight to get out of the obese category but it was always a struggle. At one point, I gained a lot of it back, passing the 200 pound mark again. When I turned 30, I realized I needed to make a permanent change in my eating and exercising habits.

I gradually changed my eating habits and started going to local chain gyms but was never "into" working out. It was something I knew I should do and had to do. I grew frustrated and needed to find something interesting, something I could do for the rest of my life. One of my friends is into kickboxing and encouraged me to join her gym. I actually came across Ultimate Kickboxing & Fitness by mistake, thinking it was the one she referred me to.

My first class sucked. I had just been cleared to exercise after a medical procedure and stopped half-way through the class, praying I wouldn't vomit. It seemed like everybody knew the routine that I would never learn and I was amazed at the cardio level displayed by the members. But, there was something about it I liked. It wasn't easy, wasn't boring and if I managed not to throw up, could be fun. So, I came back.

As I never participated in ANY activities or sports when I was a kid, my body didn't have anything to default to. I had to build muscle and endurance from scratch. As I was learning the moves, I didn't even feel completely comfortable in the classes for the first few months. I'm not saying this to scare people but to express that even though it was so difficult for me, I still wanted to come. My only competition was me. There were little goals I set along the way. In the last 2 ½ years, I've gone from just trying to complete an entire class to seriously trying to keep up with Monique.

Bottom line is this gym turned me into someone I'd never thought I'd be, that girl who has to go to the gym. This gym meets all the requirements experts recommend for a successful exercise regimen.

1.Work out with a buddy. Check. You get to know people over time. Sometimes, I'll get there and want to turn around and leave but don't because we are all gonna do it together. Or I'll come in thinking I won't try that hard but find it impossible not to.

2.) Do something that's fun. Check. These workouts require your full attention and there's rarely "clock watching." You get so focused on what you are doing, most times you look up and you're almost done. That's never happened to me on a treadmill. Also, you feed off other people's energy. If they are hitting the bag hard, you are motivated to do the same.


3. Mix up your exercise regimen, so your body doesn't get used to it. Check. Variety is offered in the kettlebells and sculpting classes. And although there are only about two dozen basic moves in kickboxing, I've been doing them for years and my body still hasn't gotten "used" to it. I'm always trying to take it to the next level. Between the nature of the workouts and the difference in the instructor's routines, your body doesn't get used to it.

If you are going to come here, remember that NOBODY came in and got it the first time. Everyone, no matter how long they have been there, has their own level and is trying their best, working hard at their level.

This gym has made me focus on becoming healthy, not getting into a pant size. I eat well and stay hydrated because I know it will affect my workout if I don't. I've lost almost 30 pounds since coming here and am at my lowest weight as an adult. I've gone down 3 dress sizes and having amazing endurance and strength. These are the numbers that impress people but more importantly, I've become a person who doesn't feel good if I don't exercise. It helps relieve anxiety and stress and it's an hour that I know I will have fun. I'm absolutely confident I will be able to lose the last 15 pounds, work on my body tone and maintain my weight.

I recommend this gym to everyone who wants to get healthy or improve their fitness level. It costs a little more than some local chain gyms but is more than worth it. If you're going to another gym and paying a trainer, you are spending more and wasting it. Every class here is like a personal training session. I come at least 4 times a week, more when my schedule allows. At the current rate, that's $3.44 a class. That's the price of a latte, without the calories.

Jolina Chavez

     I am so very grateful for Ultimate Kickboxing and Fitness. This place has been my saving grace and has given me the strength and health needed to be the best wife, mom and person that I can be. I started taking classes in 1998. At the time, it was in a different location and owned by someone else. It was a year after my first son was born, so I had around 20 or so pounds to lose.  The studio was rather small but the workouts were great and I learned the proper techniques to throw the punching and kicking combinations. It was very intimidating but I stuck with it and started to feel better and gained cardiovascular strength and flexibility. At the end of 2000, I was pregnant with my second son so I decided to stop working out. WRONG CHOICE! I should've continued with my routine and modify where needed. Instead I decided to stay home because I thought it was risky. After having my 2nd son, I came back to Ultimate Kickboxing. They were in the current facility and it was so much nicer with better equipment. I had around 35 lbs to lose after pregnancy. I remember trying to do crunches and struggling so bad because my abs were so weak. It was so hard but I stuck it out and new that I could do it. The instructors always push you and encourage you to make the best of the work out. After a couple of years, I was jumping leaps and bounds. I had a really stressful year in 2005 with high anxiety and panic issues. Aside from God and family helping me through it, this was the only escape I had where I could just focus on me. It got me to a healthy place physically and it helped me push through the tough emotional times. Later that year, my husband Ray joined with much success and lost 35 lbs within a few months time. Now, I go quite religiously 4 times a week. Ray isn't as hard core as I am but I tell you that this is such a big part of our life. I appreciate Monique and her husband and all the instructors for their dedication. Each of you has certain qualities that I appreciate. I love to share my story with people. This is not just a place to work out, it's a place to grow and connect with yourself and others. I tell everyone around me how much I love it. It truly is a saving grace! THANKS AND GOD BLESS! BURN FAT! KICK BUTT!
 

Gayle McCully

Ultimate Kickboxing has changed my life!!!!

I had tried everything else before trying kickboxing. I just couldn’t get motivated to go to the gym. I was always afraid to try group exercise classes, because I was shy and felt unfit to be a pat of it. One day I did it and everyone at Ultimate Kickboxing was so nice. All the instructors were so friendly and non judgmental.

I started personal training with Michael and eating right and before I knew it the pounds started falling off.

Now 1 year later I have lost 26 pounds and I feel great!

Cardio Kickboxing is a total body workout in just one hour….it works…and it lasts!!!!

Verena Sonstenes

Special Notes from our Members