BY MAUREEN WERTHER
Those who think kickboxing is an activity
open only to the fittest and most limber
athletes may want to think again.
A new business, iLoveKickboxing, opened
in earlier this year at Clifton Park Center, next
door to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Its owners said its ever-growing membership
roster includes people from all walks of life,
all fitness levels and all ages.
The iLoveKickboxing business is a franchise
based in Merrick, N.Y., that has affiliates all
over the country.
Owners Teresa and Pete Peck are both
martial artists who have been in the industry
for about 30 years. They were drawn to the
philosophy of the iLoveKickboxing business
model and the sport’s ability to provide a new,
challenging and fun alternative to the more
traditional gyms and exercise regimens.
“It’s all about providing a welcoming, non-intimidating
environment for people to come
and achieve their fitness goals,” said Teresa
Peck. She noted that many people, particularly
women, are intimidated by martial arts and
hesitant to join karate or other types of martial
arts class. But at iLoveKickboxing, there is
none of that intimidation and everyone can
feel comfortable and welcome.
“There are no mirrors. It’s bright, clean,
safe, and friendly,” said Pete Peck. “And more
importantly, its fun.”
According to the Pecks, people enroll in a
kickboxing program for a number of reasons,
ranging from seeking a new challenge, to losing
a few inches, or to feel more in control of their
surroundings and more able to take care of
themselves. Regardless of the reasons for
joining, members quickly become addicted to
the high energy of the group classes as 15-20
people kick the bag in unison to the pulse of
high-energy music.
Beginning students have their own private
instructor at their first class, who breaks down
the “bag fundamentals” and helps the student
become acclimated to the activity. Teresa Peck
said members who commit to training three
times a week will see the best results.
However, they offer packages ranging from a
few classes a month to a full year of unlimited
classes. She said members who commit to the
training will likely see significant increases
in strength, agility, and flexibility by the end
of the first three weeks.
They also offer a trial package for $20. It
includes three classes, plus a free pair of gloves
valued at $45.
The Clifton Park facility boasts seven
trained instructors, half of whom are also
certified personal trainers. As part of the
iLoveKickboxing program, they are required
to attend an iLoveKickboxing “boot camp”
three times a year, where they are subjected
to an intensive training regimen and learn the
latest techniques to bring back to students.
The training area is an 1,800-square-foot
space with a one-and-a-half-inch martial arts
mat that makes training easy on the joints. As
many as 40 people and vertical bags can fit on
the mat for any given class. The average class
size is between 12 and 20 people.
Movements can be modified in either
direction, to accommodate those with a
variety of health or joint issues, as well as
those looking for a higher level of intensity
in their workouts.
Classes are conducted as early as 6 a.m.
and as late as 7:45 p.m. to accommodate busy
schedules.
The Pecks pride themselves on delivering
the best customer service experience in the
“cleanest facility around.”
For more information, call 630-6280 or visit
www.ilovekickboxingcliftonparkny.com.
Photo Courtesy iLoveKickboxing