Selfie Does Knockout Kickboxing
Part of Selfie’s “Get-Right-for-2019” is focusing on one goal at a time. For January, I picked the most obvious: get in better shape. As always, I strive for having smaller, quickly-obtainable goals versus just the one large goal. So on January 5th, I set out to accomplish a two-week goal: the Knockout Austin team kickboxing challenge. To complete the challenge, myself and a teammate needed to finish ten boxing classes in two weeks which, given the intensity of the classes, was no small feat. I loved this idea for a couple of reasons: First, because you have automatic accountability because you have a teammate; and Second, because there was need for me to schedule my own workouts for the first couple of weeks - I just needed to show up to kickboxing. My teammate and I (thanks, Al) managed to finish 21 classes in two weeks which had the added bonus of getting me 1/3rd(!) towards my weight loss goals in only two weeks. (Y’all, I’m not joking, these classes are intense).
If you’ve never been but have always wanted to try kickboxing, this is decidedly the place. For one, this isn’t your grandma’s YMCA Tai Bo. You.Actually.Get.To.Hit.Something. Unless you work in like…a unicorn garden with well-behaved unicorns, you probably have a little stress, yes? Well, punching something is - quelle surprise - a really dope way of dealing with that. * I’ve done plenty of kickboxing in a well-lit big box gym, and this ain’t that. There are bags for everyone and it’s not florescent-ly lit so, if you feel like a spaz, this is a safe space.
Speaking of, you’re probably not going to feel like a total spaz because this place is hella welcoming. If you’re brand new to kickboxing or a bit rusty or you just want some pointers, these instructors are IT. They are all badass actual fighters which seems like…it would be super intimidating but it’s not. Everyone has their favorites (*cough Jennie & Fabio cough*) but every single instructor is so friendly, energetic and helpful. Legitimately, ALL OF THEM. They all take a few minutes before class to show the punches and kicks and they all walk around the room and help give anyone pointers so you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself doing something wrong. They are always quick to correct your stance or show you how to throw that jab. In addition, I’ve been to classes at other studios - like pilates - where if you have the same instructor you’re getting the same class. Same music, same moves, same routine. B.O.R.I.N.G. But at Knockout, I’ve taken the same instructor five times in the same week and never once had that happen.
If you’re still concerned that it seems super intimidating, listen, I feel you. When you walk in, there are definitely some like…actual fighters in your class or just…women and men who look like they model for Lululemon but what I’ve noticed in these past couple weeks is that every body type, every fitness level, everybody who walks through the door is thoroughly kicking ass - not joking.
My favorite part about Knockout classes is the knockout round where the instructor hits the blacklight and you get punch and kick in unison with the rest of the class before you get to do your final freestyle. If you’ve never gotten to punch something while your clothes are glowing in the dark, let me tell ya, it feels freaking epic and looks pretty bad ass too (because no one can see my crappy left roundhouse).
Moral of the Story: If you’re looking to add something new to your workout routine (or you know…you just really want a safe space to punch something), this is my number one must-try right now. Knockout is on Classpass, they do have new attendee specials, they are located on West Sixth Street close to Mopac and they have classes everyday of the week (including at lunch time!). You can find them here, I don’t think you’ll be sorry you did!