Final Bell Kickboxing

It's been months since I've hit a bag but I finally caved and signed up at Final Bell this month. Worth every penny!

I discovered Rick last year when he was doing some training at my other gym, NC3, and enjoyed his technique during the one session I had. Taking advantage of his special, I signed up and have attending classes on average four times a week. (I would be there five or six but I tackle Zumba and Spin on other days).

There are morning and evening classes but evening works best for me. Each session starts with "warm up" on the TRX, covering serious core work, chest and leg workouts as well. I have attempted to do core work over the months but nothing quite like the TRX helps you realize how out of shape the core is. Holy moley. Some days I'm ready to go home after the TRX but I stick it out.

Next up, we pair up (Rick is really good at matching up newbies with those who can help them out and balancing the power between the two) and do combos on the hanging bags. After those we split up in groups and tackle the three stations: heavy ropes, knee bags and punching on the bags. The knee bags are very misleading, seemingly easy but usually end up knocking the wind outta me if I don't focus on correct breathing. Bags, well, love it, usually more focused combos. Then, there's the heavy ropes. Oh, my love hate relationship with these is strong. Hate the ropes for their difficulty but I love the benefits and near instantaneous results I get in my arms/shoulders. After the stations we're back at the bags and doing combos or focusing on individual punches.

I had some worn (dusty) gloves when I joined up but my membership special came with some great quality of wraps and gloves. Take advantage of this special as it makes a difference when you're punching that bag.

I'm in my thirties and I've seen kids, teens, adults in their fifties, men, woman, been working out for years or just starting now. Rick has amazing patience (I have issues adjusting the TRX, still working on it) and is extremely encouraging and supportive of all. Kickboxing has helped me drop a pant size in a few weeks but most importantly it's been a mental benefit as well. Had a rough day/week? Go sweat, hit it out. So very worth it!

Added: Just wanted to note that if you were to look at BEST Kickboxing in Murrieta, all three 2010 reviews of the gym reference Rick, when he was teaching there. Thus, he rocks, no matter where he is.