"I had tried other ways to maintain a weight that I was
comfortable with; the gym, yoga, pilates, jogging, etc.
but I needed something more challenging, more
physical, and something a lot more fun.
I had always wanted to try kickboxing and after seeing
Als truck one day I decided to try out my two free
weeks. I loved it. The coaches were helpfull and
friendly and so were the other students. They kept me
motivated and helped me lose my goal weight to feel
comfortable with myself again.
Overall I have more energy, which helps around the
house and helps keep me going for the long days at
work. It's great that they have a variety of classes and
that there are classes five nights a week.
Kickboxing is definately a great way to lose weight
and Family Kickboxing is definately THE club to go to!"
-Koral Mathieu
I just want to thank you for helping me, while I was trying to get back into shape. You guys did a really good job with naming that club "Family Kickboxing", as I feel like you guys have made me part of it. The training is great, and I honestly feel like the training has greatly contributed to my success in coping with my many health issues. The training has helped toughen me up for these surgeries, and other procedures, and have even helped me cope psychologically with my disease. This disease has really tested my faith in God, and forced me to really think about my life and my goals. Your club, you guys, have helped me more than I can ever explain. In a time that I felt weak and powerless, you guys made me feel so much better, and even confident again. This club is so much more than just a place to workout, and I really want to express my gratitude for everything you guys have done for me.
-Robert Gladu
"I am the type of person that has never been in ideal shape. I played sports and even worked out throughout my high school and college years but for some reason it never worked for me as it did for my friends. I joined Family Kickboxing a little over a year ago and was consistent for the first eight months until other priorities hindered. For those eight months I lost over 25lbs, and felt like I was in the best shape of my life. After taking the last four months off I was really nervous to return thinking that I would have to start all over again. Lucky for me, muscle has memory and since your heart is a muscle I was able to jump back into the swing of things almost immediately. I've noticed dramatic changes in my breathing pattern, flexibility, and core strength. To get to the best part, I used to have a little trouble dealing with stress. I would go to the bars or get myself into problematic situations where I would turn to violence as a solution. From the first week I started kickboxing I thanked the Blais family for everything they have done as it was a new way to channel my stress, and to this day I have not had a single problem since. The name speaks for itself as the club takes you as one of its own and nurtures the problems you walk in the door with. Thanks Family Kickboxing."
-Mike Joncas, Pita Pit
"I did 10 weeks of private classes while I was doing night shift and it was worth every penny! Al is a fantastic motivator, and a great teacher. He kept me inspired and moving while working some very difficult shifts - where I could easily have given up and called it quits. I lost 20lbs in those 10 weeks - which I attribute solely to the workouts because my eating habits during this time were less than ideal. I've done "the gym", aerobics, running, boot camps etc... By far, nothing even comes close to the level of fitness I have achieved in a short time with Family Kickboxing, both through private lessons and regular classes. I feel better about myself than I have in years."
-Brianne Cyr
"I am currently a student at Cambrian College taking the Corrections Program. Each semester we are required to pass a physical ability test which involves cardio and strength doing such things as running, jumping, stairs and a push/pull machine with 60 pounds of weight. Last semester before starting Family Kickboxing, I finished with a 53% grade-- not very good! This semester after being with Family Kickboxing for already 4 months, I passed my physical test with an 80%. I owe it all to Family Kickboxing. The training I get in the cardio and strength classes really paid off. Thank you."
-Shelby Swant-Adams
Age: 24
"You are never too old to try some thing new. Middle age finally had found me and delivered a few special treats with it. Eighty pounds overweight and with constant pain from arthritis in my hips and shoulders I finally decided something had to be done. I had joined other gyms and some were better than others, but they had all got me going in the right direction. I found I had the best results in the smaller friendlier clubs. When my original gym closed I looked around for something to replace the boxercise classes that I enjoyed the most but nothing seemed the same. One day as I was driving down Lasalle Blvd. I followed a blue pickup truck with “Family Kickboxing” on it and found what I was looking for. I contacted the club that day and started the next beginner’s class. After the 2 free weeks I joined the club and haven’t regretted it. I have lost weight, increased my endurance (read cardio) and best of all have very little pain from the arthritis due to the muscle tone helping move the joints. The owners and coaches are friendly, honest people who truly care about their students. I am obviously one of the older students at 50 plus but I enjoy testing my limits in the cardio and power classes and on sparring nights the coaches don’t hit too hard."
-Theresa Henderson
"Throughout our summer program we incorporate physical activities for our group of 6-12 year olds. Experience has taught us that it is difficult to plan activities that all children will enjoy- that is, until we met Al at Family Kickboxing. Over the last nine weeks Al has improved the overall well being of our children through motivation in both physical and mental capacities. His continuing words of encouragement push the children to work hard and succeed. The children look forward to learning new punches and kicks and spending time in the facility. He has taught them the importance of staying healthy and fit. He has also taught them the value of respecting each other and themselves-a skill that they will take with them wherever they go.
Keep up the good work Al!"
-Natalie Halushenski & Jennifer Rowe
Three Doors Down Site School Age Program
"Amazing! I have tried going to gyms, working out at home, running, jogging and pretty much everything else in the book. I purchased several thousand dollars in work out equipement and still couldn't get myself to the fitness levels I desired. My first ever class was Family Kickboxing's Spar-a-Thon in 2007 and I have been hooked ever since. I feel better, I look better, I am better. It is by far the best workout I have ever done. Al and Ray are excellent motivators and the group dynamic makes working out a lot more fun!
-Matt Sonier
