CKO Kickboxing

Awesome workout, clean, friendly very motivating, love their attitude at all times, they know how to make you feel welcome!

This place is great. I switched over from UFC and it was a seriously great decision. This gym houses great boxing instructors (female ones too!!), offers better priced memberships than other places, and attracts cool, hardworking people. The workouts are as intense as I like them to be and I know if I didn’t have to go back to Boston for college, I’d be here for 2 classes every single day.
The only thing that could improve this gym is a private locker area where one could change, and possibly more class options like TRX training and MMA.

I love CKO! After reading all the raving reviews, I decided to try it for myself, and I have not been disappointed. You can try the first class for free, so you if you’re considering this as an option, give it a shot!
I knew nothing about kickboxing, and everyone at the gym (instructors and other people in the classes) have been great about giving me tips for my form, wrapping my hands, and other good to know information.
There’s always a variety of skill levels and fitness levels in all the classes, so don’t feel like you can’t go if you’re not in shape. Just do it!
I highly recommend CKO to anyone in Astoria looking for a kick-​ass workout! I promise you’ll leave feeling like a super badass after your awesome workout, and you will not regret it.

I have been hopelessly lazy for years… years.
It wouldn’t be uncommon to find me prone on the couch for minimum 3 hours a night after a long work day… where I would sit at a desk for hours.
Needless to say, I needed a good kick in the backside.
That came when my physician told me that I had elevated blood pressure and needed to exercise to lower the risk of hypertension, or eventually, I would need to go on meds.
So after cutting back on sodium and trying to mitigate my stress levels at work, my blood pressure did not improve (¹⁴⁹⁄₉₄).
Eventually, one of my daytime co-​workers took up an instructor position at the CKO Astoria (spoiler alert: it’s Amy… you should definitely take her class). She has been instructing on the CKO scene for a couple of years now, starting in NJ.
I saw the physical transformation she went through and I thought, «I need to try this».
At first, my girlfriend and I initially signing up for a 10 class short-​term membership.
But I quickly fell in love with CKO Astoria. ALL of the instructors whose classes I’ve attended are amazing (Anthony, Scottie, Edgar, and Amy so far…). They all have their own techniques and methods, but regardless of who is instructing, the classes are challenging, intense and FUN.
I have since signed on for a full year membership. I currently live in Bushwick and the studio is Astoria, but believe me it’s worth the multiple trips a week.
I’ve not been this motivated and inspired to workout in years.
The price is great.
The staff is great.
The studio is massive, clean, and well maintained.
Most importantly after 3 months of attending classes regulary, I feel great.
I’m stronger, fitter, and that blood pressure problem is gone (My most recent reading was ¹²²⁄₈₂).
For the first time in a long time I feel confident of reaching the fitness goals that I set for myself 10 years ago… THANK YOU CKO!

BEST WORKOUT EVER. I cannot recommend CKO enough. Not only are you getting an amazing full body workout each class, you are also surrounded by amazing, supportive people. Sign up. You will not regret it!

If you care about your health, you know how hard it can be to find a gym or workout routine that you like and that works for you. For years I have been looking for a workout that challenges me and allows me to see improvements in my strength, conditioning, and appearance. I’ve tried running outside, chain gyms, and personal trainers, but nothing came close to the experience that I’ve had at CKO Astoria.
I tried a free trial class with my wife on a Saturday morning when the gym was celebrating its two-​year anniversary. The class was supposed to be for members only, but we signed up by accident and Leo and Anthony were nice enough to let us stay and try it out. What a kick in the butt that class was. By the end we were absolutely exhausted. And the next day we were still sore. But we signed up and it was the best decision I’ve ever made for my health.
About three months into the membership I feel stronger than ever. I learn new kickboxing and exercise techniques almost every class. Like other reviewers have said, all classes are structured to allow for participants at all levels. If you’re winded and struggling to keep up, you can go at your own pace. If your arms can’t lift any more then you can modify. And for every modification there is a right way to do it to ensure that you get the most of each rep. But as Anthony says, «we never stop working».
If you’re considering a class, here are some basics:
— Classes last approximately an hour (sometimes more if we’re having too much fun).
— Each class begins with a warm up of some sort followed by stretching.
— The core of the class usually mixes together strength training, kickboxing combos, review of form and technique, etc. There is no set routine. The workout is ALWAYS different. Your body doesn’t know what to expect, so you never get comfortable. You just follow instructions and push as hard as you can.
— Most classes end with some variation of cool down and stretching.
— Classes are scheduled daily at convenient times, especially Monday — Thursday with 3 evening time slots after work, 5:45, 7, and 8:15 PM. Regardless of how hectic your own schedule is, there is a class most days at a time that will work for you. Weekend classes are scheduled in the morning, and there is a weekly yoga class on Sunday mornings free to all members. The yoga class is really awesome. I don’t have much experience with yoga, but Alice is a proper instructor who gives everyone in the class great feedback.
— If you’re going to try a class, CKO has everything you need available for purchase at reasonable prices. This includes boxing gloves, MMA gloves, hand wraps, etc. When we signed up my wife and I both bought a pair of boxing gloves and I use mine a couple times per week, and they’re in great shape after three months.
— Hand wraps: use them. I hadn’t gotten around to buying hand wraps for my first few classes and my hands and wrists were always sore after class. I could feel every punch, and it hurt like hell. Eventually I started using wraps, and now I absolutely need them. I can throw much harder punches and my wrists have the support they need. I read that 180″ wraps are best, but I would suggest 108″ wraps. The 180″ wraps will provide great support, but 108″ wraps are plenty sufficient and easier/​quicker to put on.
I would recommend CKO to anyone looking for a new gym or a change to their current «routine» if it’s become too predictable. No routines here. It’s a great place to work out with awesome instructors and friendly members. Each instructor has his/​her own unique style, so taking classes with different instructors keeps things interesting. Class sizes are reasonable enough that instructors will help individuals who need assistance and are always willing to answer questions before or after class.
To be honest, I was a little nervous before my first class and relied heavily on Unilocal reviews to get an idea of what to expect. The reviews here don’t lie. It’s a great experience. Legitimately FIVE stars. And what seems like it should be an intimidating atmosphere (after all, there’s a lot of aggression in the room during class!) is not intimidating at all. There’s an atmosphere of inclusivity, and that’s down to the owners and instructors being welcoming and helpful. Damn good job by everyone at CKO. Best gym in town as far as I’m concerned.

My favorite kickboxing spot! All the instructors are great.

I’ve taken classes with Scottie, Edgar and Anthony and they are all great. This is an intense class but definitely doable. The workout is a lot about cardio and strength training (squats, burpees, push-​ups, ab exercises, jump rope, etc.) and they also incorporate a good amount of running. So it’s not just bag work! Everyone here is super friendly and I’ve brought a number of friends here (from people who haven’t worked out in ages to people who work out a good amount) and they’ve all agreed it’s a challenging but fun workout. The first class is free (though you should either bring or pay for gloves), so you if you live in/​near Astoria, you must try it out! :)

Love love love! My friend lost over 100 lbs doing cko for a few years and she inspired me to get back into shape with this workout. It is SO fun and a steal vs personal training. NYSC charges an arm and a leg for PT whereas CKO accomplishes this in group classes for a fraction of the cost.
The people who go there are nice, the workouts are fun, challenging and there’s great music. I burn over 650 calories in every Anthony class and he’s just fun. I make myself go to his classes and am committed to the schedule. Get ready to work hard in Leo and Edgar’s classes –they are awesome. Edgar is so encouraging and does a lot of circuit training like cross fit. Every instructor brings a different routine. You work here and you get results. The trainers encourage you and they care. That’s the difference. You go at your own pace but pushed to be better. Anthony and Leo appreciate and care for your business and you got to support the locals!
Get yourself prepped to get your body back. After 6 weeks, I noticed how much stronger and leaner my body has become. And I have love getting it better and better each time I come here.

This gym is not for weak. Be prepared for blood, sweat & tears!!!
Pros: price is better than competing gyms (around $ 45 a month cheaper than ilovekickboxing Astoria), they use real boxing bags, there are a LOT of boxing bags so you never have to share with a partner, they have classes that work for just about any schedule (open 7 days a week), the trainers are all nice & give constructive criticism, the classes are also very tough (it’s harder than insanity/​p90x — only come if you want to get a hardcore workout) so you will see results (I just started a week ago and have already lost 3lbs!)
Cons: I wish they had a locker room & showers but everything else is so awesome that I’m still giving them 5 stars

I love CKO.
The workouts are challenging and they always are switching it up.
Everyone that works here is great. I really enjoy being a member here.
They continuously kick my butt!

One of the best workout decisions I’ve ever made was to make my way to CKO thanks to the recommenation of an old friend. I was hesitant given I hate signing contracts especially for gyms and not to mention I hate taking classes. HOWEVER, classes with Anthony, Patrick and Scottie B at CKO have kept me pumped and at the same time they have kicked my A$$! It took me 2 months before I gathered up the courage to take Leo’s class, it’s the hardest! Towards the end I could barely keep up, but he wouldn’t let me give up. I finished it!
I quit my gym after a week of their classes and signed up for a 3 month contract that I am definetly looking to extend.
There are days that I feel it gets too intense but I slow down and go at my own pace as they often advise you to. This is OK and trust me it is not frowned upon. They aren’t drill sargeants but they do push you to challenge yourself and every class is different, they are constantly switching up the work outs. It’s awesome, better than any workout, yoga, treadmill, zumba, pilates or whatever the hell else I’ve tried. I stay motivated, energized and keep going back for more.
You can expect to do a few set of each: Squats, burpies (ugh), jogging/​running/​sprinting, crunches, pushups, situps, sprawls, bag work and don’t forget to stretch. All of these spaced out in a matter of 60 minutes and sometimes the instructors are so into it the classes will go on a little longer!

I am now addicted to my kickboxing class and teachers! When I first stated I could do «squat» (pun intended) but with the encouragement and help of Anthony, Edgar and Leo I am a regular. My goal is to be their next model to show off how good I look and how great I feel. I went from being a once a weaker to a triple crown!
Thanks so much guys! I am really enjoying my new body and I feel like my old self! I can’t say enough great things about the place and the people. Special shout out to Anthony and Edgar for their patience with me. Their encouragement still means a lot! If you are in Astoria please stop by, you will not regret it!

Definitely worth it 5 starts, i’d give more if i could.
Professional & amazing teachers, clean, wide and spacious gym. I tried few other kickboxing classes but there’s no one that can beat CKOASTORIA.
Highly recommended !
Get fit or go home ;)

This place is legit. I’ve seen the reviews for a while and thought about coming here for months since I live in another part of Queens, and coming here meant driving here and then looking for parking (which in Astoria is not the easiest thing sometimes.) All I can say is that I’m glad I did.
I signed up first with a 10 class pass to make sure this was for me. I wanted to get through it and also make sure the parking wasn’t a problem. 10 classes later and passing all my own personal tests, I can say that I feel like I’m getting hooked and I signed up for the year.
The place is big and long. They must have 40 to 50 (maybe more) body bags in here so getting your own bag to work with is never an issue. It’s also so long that when the instructors tell you to jog around the room, its almost like you’re jogging around a mini track.
The classes are intense, but you can go at your own pace. The instructors do a great job pushing you to get the most you can out of yourself. Lets be real, if you’re going to a place like this, its because you’re serious about getting results and getting into better shape.
The people from the staff to patrons are all very friendly and non judging. The staff in particular are always there to talk to you and help you anytime. I never felt uncomfortable in this gym from the second I walked in there.
If you dont like the same monotonous bs from going to regular gyms and you want to be pushed to your limits, but have fun and feeling good doing it, CKO Kickboxing is definitely the place to go. This place is 100% exactly what it is advertised to be and I couldn’t be happier to have signed up.

Joined CKO Astoria little over a month ago — i feel amazing.
Membership is affordable and you can attend unlimited classes.
I was very nervous to start and after one class felt right at home — could work at my own pace — but pushed gently by the trainers to push myself.
Variety of Skilled Trainers — all offer positive energy and are incredible motivators.
Always a different workout — never gets stale. And all trainers have kick butt playlists!
It’s a great time!
My body is already changing — I have muscles!
My weight is down. My mind is clearer and I sleep better.
I wake up a little sore each day — and that’s a great feeling (it really is!)
The location is especially great for people who live in Manhattan & Bronx where there aren’t any CKOs.
I suggested two of my coworkers try it out — both joined!

I’m a dancer, so I love movement.
I hate gyms in general, just a lot of boring machines/​free weights that you have to keep doing the sets, reps, blablabla, boring, boring, boring…
I’m not professionally into dance, but when I am dancing, it’s about 8 to 10 classes in a week. The problem with this in NYC, it gets very expensive to take that much of classes, by the end of the month. Some gyms are pretty cheap, but definitely not as fun as dance.
But one day someone told me about CKO. And I decide to go for the trial class…
I went for a 6:15am class on a Friday morning with Leo. Everything was so dynamic, new, intense and fun!
I was so absurdly sore the next day, that the only thing I could think after was «I need to keep doing this! NOW!»
The classes are amazing, the results are even better (what honestly has helped me to keep committed with all the weight lifting thing), and I can take unlimited classes for a super affordable price.
Because of this place and its staff, I fell in love with kickboxing!
I’ve been taking 4, 5 classes weekly, just waiting for them to add more classes I can go.

I am a huge fan of CKO — so glad I stumbled into this gym a few months ago. Now I think I might be a little addicted.
The atmosphere is friendly. Everyone is extremely helpful and very welcoming. As a newcomer, I felt right at home. And I love the inspirational quotes on the wall. My favorite is: «Cowards never start, the Weak never finish and Winners never Quit!»
The instructors are great:
Leo — kicks my butt EVERY class. His workout is amazing and he has the best workout playlist.
Scottie — tends to be more self defense driven, but gives you a great full body workout.
Anthony — his classes are always fun. He has great energy and pushes you with positivity.
Karrisa — FULL BODY WORKOUT. I leave feeling every muscle in my body has been worked out.
Jeanene — Great combos. Great personality. Loves making us do turtles. Urgh…
So happy I found my «workout home». I have nothing but gratitude.

A brief history of how I got hooked on kickboxing was that I had a great instructor at my old gym, but for some unknow reason he left *sad face*. He was a great instructor, always pushing and motivating. The gym goes on cancelling all kickboxing classes *mad face* I cancelled my membership, end of story.
I tried ilovekickboxing it was not the same level of endurance, but they are okay. I was a member for three months, and end of story.
As I was driving, I saw the huge CKO kickboxing banners and was intrigued. I decided to try the free class and it was what I was looking for. The classes really build your endurance, and the instructors incorporate free weights during their classes. They push you to the limits. In addition, there is a designed area for free weights. The class schedule ranges from 6am 11am and evening 5 – 8:15 p. m, check their website for full information. Each class is one hour long and the monthly membership is around $ 83 unlimited;great deal!!! * happy face* End of story.

You’re not going to find a stronger boxing gym in Astoria… CKO is IT!
I was a member of another kickboxing gym for over a year, and when I finally joined CKO I literally felt like I was out of shape! These guys deliver a workout beyond expectations, and they do it while making you smile and feel supported!
I feel a lot of what other reviewers have mentioned. You feel right at home in the space. The most important thing for me though, is the level of precision and experience these instructors deliver. They know what’s up and they go about their classes like the professionals they are. I teach yoga and am very mindful of what my bod is doing. My body doesn’t hurt, or feel uncomfortable with 99% of what happens in class. They know what they’re doing and teach it well!
The changes in my strength and endurance in less than 4 months is proof that what they’re doing is 100% effective!
Every instructor offers a unique experience. Anthony offers up an extremely well rounded class. You can take his class 3 times a week and feel the versatility. He’ll also sing, dance, and keep you amused. Karissa offers up precision and some really unique ways to train. Leo is balls to the wall. And Jeanene is an amazingly sweet/​badass dynamic to join the crew.
If you’re thinking about checking it out they offer a free 1^st class and Groupon deals every once in a while.
If you know it’s time for a quality investment in yourself, check them out sooner rather than later!