It Seemed So Impossible Until I Found CKO

​I knew I needed to make a change. For months, I came home from work and planted myself on the couch and fell into a pattern of perpetually overeating. I have always had problems with my weight; I would try crash dieting and lose the weight, only to gain it all back again. Upon moving to New Jersey for my first “real” job, I used food as a way to cope with all the changes in my life. Adjusting to my new life felt easier if I could bring myself other comforts, like cake and ice cream, and of course pasta (with plenty of cheese).

I had settled into my new life and routine for a few months when I realized how uncomfortable I was. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I didn’t see the person I wanted to be. I was overweight and could barely fit into my jeans without having to unbutton the top button or risk the waistband digging into my skin. I was lethargic all the time and had severe vitamin deficiencies. I simply wasn’t happy or healthy. I knew I was in danger as each pound I gained inched me closer and closer to obesity. 

I started researching gyms and ways to get more active. I had been seeing CKO billboards and posters on my commute into Hoboken for months. I thought, “punching stuff would be fun” and that was all I really needed to convince me to try it out. I took my free trial class with a friend and had the most grueling and intense workout of my whole life. But I also had a fantastic time. I knew that it was a small step, but after taking that class, I was just a little bit stronger. And just like that, I signed up for my year membership and went to about three to four classes a week. 

Later that fall, only a few months into my membership, I participated in CKO Hoboken’s 10 Week Challenge. Once I signed up for the 10 Week Challenge, I committed myself to the program completely. Not only was I going to class five or more times per week, I had nutritional guidance. I originally wanted an easy way out where I could work out but still eat whatever I wanted. But finally, I was guided about how to get the right nutrients for my body. I was energized, eating well, and always excited to go to class after work. I would look forward to it all day.

The weeks flew by and I dropped 15 pounds and lost over 6% body fat. Coming off the 10 Week Challenge, I felt like a completely different person. I integrated the lessons I learned in the program into my life and called CKO Kickboxing class my favorite form of cardio (it still is).
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A few months later, the CKO Hoboken team asked me to represent CKO at the 2017 CKO Transformation Show in Mohegan Sun. I gladly accepted the opportunity because not only was I proud of my progress, I also wanted to continue my fitness journey. When I got up on that beautiful stage, after all the work and consistency, it was one of the first times I felt comfortable in my body. While I was happy with how far I had come, I also knew it wasn’t enough. I wanted to be quicker, faster, and stronger.

The months passed and I continued on my journey, exercising regularly and eating well. This past January, I was lucky enough to be asked to return to the 2018 CKO Transformation Show and represent CKO once again. Up until that point, I don’t think I had committed so fully to my fitness. I gave it my all and continued to lose body fat, and felt stronger than I ever had before. The butterflies and apprehension from the year prior faded away and I was ready to once again show off my progress to my family and friends.

It’s been just over two years since I joined CKO Kickboxing, and I am so grateful that I have found a community that supports me to exercise and eat well. I have lost over 45 pounds and more than 12% body fat. I am a proud #CKOADDICT. Enjoying a workout seemed so unreal and impossible, until I joined CKO Kickboxing. Two years and over 300 classes later, I am teaching my own CKO class. Not only is it incredibly fun, but I also get to give back and help people on their own fitness journeys. Strong of body and strong of mind, I am still becoming the best version of myself with CKO.