Getting a kick out of cardio boxing

No longer is a busy schedule an excuse to skip a good cardio workout.

A kickboxing gym that recently opened in Greenwood offers 30-minute workouts just about any time visitors have a half-hour of free time.

9Round, which opened in December at 520 N. State Road 135, offers intense 30-minute workouts focused on kickboxing techniques.

What are the workouts like?

[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]

9Round workouts consist of nine three-minute stations of activities, which include cardio, weight training, abdominal exercises, kicks and punches on a 100-pound, double-end bag, upper cut and speed bags.

A boxing bell rings to begin the workout, a second time to warn that the station is ending and a third to signal the end. Members have a 30-second active break between rounds, which means doing small workouts with bags, as well as situps and pushups.

When can I go to workout?

There are no class times, trainers are always on site, and routines change daily.

9Round is open 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. The gym is closed Sundays.

How do I get started?

“You get a free workout the first time. We want people to be comfortable with it (the first time they try it out),” said Craig Valier, 9Round’s Greenwood location owner.

Since the business opened, what has the reception been like?

“It’s been really good, and it’s met my expectations,” Valier said, adding that he may open some new locations around town. 9Round also has locations in Carmel, Fishers and Bloomington.

So you can come in any time to get a workout? Why is this an appealing feature for your customers?

“We don’t have class times. It’s been a very appealing feature for us. Our demographic tends to be 60/40 women vs. men. A lot of those are people in their 30s and 40s with kids in school. So they’ll drop them off, get a workout and get on with their busy day. They can come in when it’s convenient and get a work out.”

Why do you think you have more women than men?

“I think it gives women an opportunity to hit things,” Valier joked. Men are raised with activities that have more aggression, he said, so for women, it’s a more novel activity.

“It’s a great stress reliever. … You put the gloves on and hit the bag and take out your frustrations while getting fit.”

What kinds of results can customers expect to see?

“We are based on cardio. We also do a lot of resistance training to tone every muscle. Resistance training is really going to tone arms and legs. We’re doing core work on every station. We also offer a nutritional portal so they’ve got full access to an online nutritionist.”

What ages are ideal for this workout?

There’s no age limit or skill level requirements. Instructors will work with anyone of any age or skill level.

“My youngest member is 11. My oldest is 71, so it’s all types of fitness levels. It’s more fun if you’re not (familiar with boxing).”

How can I learn more?

For more information, call the gym at 300-1830 or visit 9round.com/.