6 Reasons I Love Kickboxing, & You Will Too!

Oh January. The time of new year, new me. 

The time of “This is the year I get my crap together. I’m going to be better, stronger, faster, prettier”

…you name it, we’ve said it. 

The amount of planners I’ve bought thinking this is the one I will regularly fill out…anyway. 

I’m all about self improvement (not so all about being harsh on yourself) & this is the time where people are open to trying new things. So in the spirit of New Year’s Resolutions, let’s talk about a hot topic: exercise. 

I grew up playing sports constantly. X-country, basketball, & softball were my go-tos in high school, so exercise came organically. Post academia, it took me some time to find a form of exercise I enjoyed. 

If I’m being entirely honest, it took me losing my metabolism more and more by the day to find workouts I would tolerate to stave off the diet I wasn’t willing to change yet. 🌭🍻

So I dabbled. I found a couple different options that I some days love, some days tolerate, some days barely finish. I’ll eventually talk about all of them, because they all bring the right value to the right person. 

But first, let’s dive into one that’s helped me a TON: boxing.

Specifically, kickboxing.  

Boxing as a sport is great. It’s an all-body workout, it is great for stress relief, & it for sure makes you stronger. I’ve tried boxing in multiple places, but I Love Kickboxing in Liverpool has my vote for best kickboxing spot in Syracuse. 

If you’ve been thinking of giving it a try but you’re feeling a little shy, sit back & read the 6 reasons I love the ladies at I Love Kickboxing, & you will too: 

• They are welcoming.

I first found out about I Love Kickboxing through Instagram & Facebook. I had been looking for a boxing class that fit my schedule before or after work. I kept seeing people checking in to this location with these weird hashtags. It was like a secret code that made sense to nobody else except the members. 

But the videos were engaging, the vibes were right, & when I sent a DM regarding their Groupon deal they answered immediately, hooking me up with a class pack. 

When I walked in, I felt like I immediately had my own hype squad. They said “Are you Danielle” and celebrated me like Kate Middleton had come to take a class. They are GREAT at making you feel special. 

After the first class, they celebrate your grand achievement with everybody in the room & ask your favorite part of the class (not in a bad way, don’t worry fellow introverts) I immediately signed up for more classes because of the warm feeling they provided. 

• They are inclusive.

Comparison is the thief of joy. But let’s call a spade a spade…sometimes, we do it. I have never been in a class with such a wide variety of people. Different ages, different body types, different genders, different abilities, it doesn’t matter. Everybody is able to keep up & get what they need out of the workout. The staff at I Love Kickboxing celebrate everybody for being EXACTLY who they are. There is a place for everyone. There is no desire to compare. 

• They are patient. 

Nobody would say I’m coordinated. That applies with kickboxing & learning combos. But whenever I’m like “What is a rear roundhouse again?” they show me. Whenever I look at the bag with a blank look after I’ve forgotten a combo for the tenth time, they help me. They don’t judge & they don’t get annoyed.

• They have a way with words. 

Some of my favorite catch phrases I’ve heard in class include:

“The bag is just a dream catcher for your stress”

“Let’s punch so hard the bag lifts off the ground”

“Who’s ready to punch Monday in the face?”

If that doesn’t rev your engine, I don’t know what will. 

• They give you options. 

As I said before, I have other classes & activities I enjoy. They did not  try & upsell me to an unlimited membership. They respected that I have other interests. They offer class packs which are a great option to try them out while not solely committing to one style of workout. But if membership is more your thing, they have that too! They also often have deals to make the class packs more affordable. 

• They are technical (but helpful).  

They want everybody to have correct form & get the most out of the workout so they demo combos over & over until you’re comfortable with it. If you are not doing it right, they will notice. However, they will help you. You are NOT just a number there. They will not leave your side until you’ve got it down. Sometimes after what I lovingly call a “correction”, I then realize how the move is supposed to feel & instantly feel more benefit from the workout. 

The team & people that make up I Love Kickboxing doesn’t just help you love the sport. 

They help you love yourself more too. 

They are a big reason I found myself again after postpartum depression.

They are what I didn’t realize I needed. 

I am so glad a little DM led me to such a wonderful community. 

If you’re looking for a fun, encouraging, inclusive group that will help you meet your wellness goals in 2025 while cheering you on the entire way, I hope you’ll check them out. You can find them @ilkbny_liverpool on Instagram & @I Love Kickboxing-Liverpool on Facebook. If you go on a Tuesday night, you might even see me 😉