Planet Mandy: It's A Knockout! - The Daily Planet Arthur

Ole` Hustle Packs a Punch

SARATOGA SPRINGS -Some Definitions to begin:
o•lé
exclamation: olé!
An interjection used as a shout of approval, triumph, or encouragement

hus•tle
Verb
Busy movements and activity that helps you get closer to the point you want to get to

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Welcome to Ole` Hustle, the newest, most colorful boxing and conditioning facility in Saratoga Springs. Although this gym is small in size it lacks for nothing.

A dozen 6-foot long boxing bags hang heavy in a circle surrounded by all the equipment you need to work your body into submission.

The founders of Ole wanted to open a gym that fits into the fun vibe of Caroline Street. James Boyd, Monique Ratti, Adrienne Parker, and Jake Robinson created a vibrant atmosphere, packed with new equipment, and unique classes. These four powerhouses’ main focus was to establish a small community within a big city.

Their hope was for gym goers to feel at home and energized as they entered this unpretentious space (at 51 Caroline) for a personal training session, group class, or ‘self hustle’ during their open gym hours.

Monique, trainer extraordinaire and full time Mommy Hustler told me that often people are intimidated at the thought of boxing but it’s not inclusive, anybody can do it! “I see girls running with boys, lifting weights at a gym next to the men, and women don’t realize it until they get their hands wrapped and hit the bag for the first time that boxing is for everyone.”

I can speak firsthand about the cardiovascular workout and empowerment of boxing. I have taken many of Monique’s boxing classes, rapidly hammering away at her target pads while she called out punches.

Every time I leave one of her classes, I feel stronger, prettier (even drenched in sweat), and with a strut in my step! James stated that boxing is the type of exercise that levels the playing field. Even the strongest of athletes are starting at square one and will be humbled by the cardio level and combinations.

Now I don’t want you to think hustle is only about boxing because as Adrienne stated, “…if you want everything, you have to do everything.” Ole` Hustle not only specializes in boxing, it offers other exceptional classes, that will challenge your body and guide you to achieve the best overall you.

Adrienne Parker is representative of Ole` Hustle’s diversity in trainers. Adrienne has a longstanding background in dance and brings to Ole` the knowledge of how the body works. All dance movements are produced as a result of muscles pulling on bones – causing joint motion. Adrienne knows that elongating your muscles is a key to helping you achieve your goals.

One of the many classes Adrienne teaches is called, Final STRETCH – a Yoga inspired stretching hour that will give your body the care it deserves after a long week of hustling! She said that people shy away from fitness because they “don’t want to bulk up” however mixing it up will give you more muscle definition, greater flexibility, and increased mobility.

Adrienne brings the dancer’s background; Jake Robinson brings the Ultra-Marathon runner knowledge. Oh, how far is that? Well Jake has run up to 75 miles within 21 hours. Prior to writing this article I wanted to try some new classes, ones I have never taken in my 42 (ok almost 43) years. I run a few times a week and decided to join Jake, for his hour long running class, Running Hustle. Jake pushed me to my limit without me even realizing it. He introduced me to a new running route and we even did some trail running (newbie here). We discussed breathing, stride, and how I can improve as an athlete.

You are invited to pop in for a free class or to see all there is to offer through a week of unlimited classes for only $30. Ole` Hustle is offering other unique opportunities! For instance, kids boxing gloves just arrived and Ole’ is getting geared up to host corporate events, visitors to Saratoga, and parties such as birthday or bachelorette /bachelor festivities. True to their word, Ole Hustle is trying to be as helpful to their clientele as possible. Once their final schedule falls into place, they are going to offer set open gym hours so you can get your hustle in anytime you choose. Open gym is free with any unlimited membership or for a minimal fee of $10/drop in.