9 reasons i love 9round

A few months ago, we won a month’s membership and starter package from our local 9Round at a basket raffle. I was super excited because I had wanted to give it a try, and because I was looking for some kind of regular cross training. At the same time, Mr PugRunner decided HE wanted to use the membership because he really needed to start doing something physical and needed a push.

We went back and forth over it, and finally just decided to pay for the second membership for both of us go together. To be honest, I didn’t think I would continue past the free month – I get bored doing the same thing and I guess I am fairly cheap and don’t feel like paying “boutique fitness” prices.

Both of us are now in our second month and loving it. If time permits, I try to go five times per week, while Mr PugRunner is working up to four.

If you haven’t been to a 9Round location yet, here’s the concept:

9Round is a specialized fitness center for people who want a unique, fun, and proven workout that guarantees results. 9Round offers a kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates a functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The programs consist of a proprietary system of nine challenging workout stations developed by a World Champion Kickboxer.

When you walk in, you wrap your knuckles and hands, and then jump in on one of nine stations when the boxing buzzer sounds start. (Station #1 is usually some version of jump rope while Station #9 is always core and abs. I absolutely insist on starting with Station #9). The buzzer will sound for the start of three minutes, for 30 seconds remaining at the station and for the stop to move to the next station. It’s on continuous loop. Each station has its workout labelled on the wall, so you can get to work if you understand the move, or wait for the trainer to demonstrate if you need. Move through your nine stations and boom. You’re done and out the door.

1. There are no set class times.

Friends, this is a lifesaver. All I have to do is show up when the location is open, wrap up and hop into an open station. There is no rushing and also no waiting. If I need to go in early or go in late, it makes no difference.

2. You can go as little or as much as you want!

Again, this is huge. If I need to skip a few days due to being out of town, or if I want to repeat a workout three times in a row, there is flexibility for me to do so. I love that I’m not relying on a set schedule and can get a workout in the way that works best for me.

3. There is a trainer on duty at all times.

The trainer is always on duty while 9Round is open. He is there to demonstrate exercises, encourage you through the workout and help with any modifications or special requests. He adjusts form, offers corrections and makes sure you are keeping on track. Each trainer has a bit of a different style, but so far, my experiences have all been great.

4. Each move is only three minutes.

I mean, you can do anything for three minutes, am I right? The three minute intervals allows you to go as hard or easy as you like. Sometimes, I can get in a ton of reps, especially on moves I like or at which I am stronger. On the harder things, I just grit my teeth and push: the buzzer will tell me when it’s time to move to the next station.

5. Each session lasts about 30 minutes.

Thirty minutes is literally nothing in the course of my day. By the time I talk myself out of a workout, I could be in and done, so might as well just go and get it done. Thirty minutes of productive exercise is fairly easy to schedule regularly.

6. Workouts change every day.

Earlier, I mentioned boredom, but 9Round is great because every day is different. Sure, I know that I will be jumping rope at Station #1, but the routine varies, so it’s not as monotonous as classes that follow the same formula for a week or more. I appreciate the change ups.

7. There are great incentives for attending classes.

Check in for 50 classes? Get free hand wraps. For 100 classes? Yup, a free t-shirt. Two hundred classes? Sign the wall! You know I will do a lot of things for a free shirt, so I love having a goal towards which I can work, in addition to my fitness goals.

8. There is so much motivation from the trainers and other participants.

I didn’t really think I would get into the camaraderie in this kind of setting, but I’ve come to appreciate it. The fist bumps and the joking between stations is motivating. The trainers will come work out with you if it’s slow or play absolutely rocking music when they know you need a boost. They check in if they see you frustrated and high five you the you hit a milestone. At the risk of sounding cheesy, it’s like a family and I like being a part of it.

9. You can see (and feel) results quickly.

In just over a month, I can see muscle definition in my arms and abs that was never there before. Push ups are still not my friends, but I can do more of them more comfortably than before, so it’s coming, slowly but surely.

I confess, the membership is a bit more than I would like (about $90 per month for a month-to-month membership without contract or auto-renew, which does not include the starter pack of boxing gloves, hand wraps and assorted swag), but since the membership covers unlimited classes, I’ve decided it’s not that bag. If I attended 20 classes per month, it breaks down to $4.45 each, which really isn’t so terrible compared to group fitness classes at other gyms or centers. I figure that if I’m actually going and getting something out if it, it’s worth the price.

I’m super excited to hit my 50 class milestone, and even more so to score that 100 class t-shirt. Even better, I’m really glad I found a cross training regimen so close to home that’s quick, manageable and provide a heck of a calorie burn.

Have you ever tried 9Round?

Are you into boutique fitness centers or do you prefer set classes or open gym type settings?

Today, I’m linking up for Tuesday Topics with KookyRunner and Zenaida Hope you’ll join in the fun!

This is not a sponsored post. There are no affiliate links. I am writing my honest opinion of a fitness center I personally use and love and for which I pay my own membership fees.