Traditional Tribal Fitness

This is probably the lowest rating I’ve ever given on Unilocal,but I took this class this morning, and I got a really weird feeling from it. It was my first time in this class and as we were doing the obstacle course I was doing push ups and I heard «When was the last time you’re done a push up? Probably a long time ago…» and then somebody else laughing. As a matter of fact I did push ups 2 days ago — obviously I’m not the best at them, but I don’t actually know what I was doing wrong, since the instructor didn’t bother to correct it. I’m not naturally athletic, but I work out every morning, and all I wanted to do this morning was to release some stress (it’s been a tough couple of days) with a workout in the park, and to try something new. Instead I got a weird feeling of being picked on throughout the entire class which is honestly the last thing I needed. I really wanted to like this class too, because I live nearby and I have ran past it many time, and probably will many times more.

Kiki is obviously an institution in this neighborhood. He probably greeted about half the people walking the track at McCarren Park. I attended his class through Classtivity and wasn’t really sure what to expect but given the rave reviews he receives on Unilocal,I was sure it’s be a good class.
Now Kiki’s class is very different from those other hip studios I’ve tried out on Classtivity. There’s no proprietary speed walking machine, no pristine bar, no free towels or water bottles. This is an old school outdoor workout class. I’m a believer that you don’t need much to get a great workout and this class adheres to that principle. You bring your own mat and he provides a jump rope and one set of weights ranging from 2−5lbs, all in varying degrees of wear and tear. You’re going to run, do push-​ups, jumping jacks, dead lifts, squats, and bicycles. It’s nothing you haven’t done before but you know it’s necessary. It’s not fancy, but hey, who said you needed to cycle in a pool to burn calories?
I was by far the youngest female in my group (I like it like that). You aren’t going to see no Lululemon here. The group seemed like they were friends from around the neighborhood. Overall, I felt like the fitness level was adjusted for the rest of the group so I didn’t get as strenuous of a workout as I’d like (but maybe I was also being lazy because I was super sore from the past week of studios and gyms). I think if you lived nearby and want to stay in shape, then this is a good option for you, but seeing as I live in midtown Manhattan, I can get a similar work out from the classes at the Chelsea Rec Center.

Working out with Kiki and the crew every morning has changed my life for the better. It’s not just physically gratifying, but also mentally and socially as well. I love the people I’ve met through Kiki because good people attract good people. And Kiki, is definitely good. He truly cares about people and getting everyone as strong and as healthy as they can be. Don’t hesitate! Come join us!

Kiki is awesome! I like running but was looking for cross training– Kiki’s work outs are great because they incorporate diverse exercises, using just your body along with jump rope, medicine balls, and small weights. He’s a great trainer because he’s encouraging and pushes you to get in a work out that you’re proud of, first thing in the morning. Never thought I’d enjoy working out with others as much as I do with Kiki and his morning work out crew.

I am a martial artist training for 16 years, with black belts in two different disciplines. Sometimes you need a change of routine otherwise the body gets used to the usual. Kiki’s training is definitely out of the norm… intense and encouraging…
I love how he motivates and inspires everyone. No matter what shape you are in, he will work with you and get you up and going. My specialty is abs and he comes up with something new to torture me all the time!
Training outdoors is the best! Try this out! You will love it!

I’m an avid runner but when I injured my IT band last year I couldn’t run and I needed to diversify my exercise regimen. I tried a few things out and none quite stuck until I started training with Kiki. I’m now stronger and more tone– basically, in better shape overall. HIs training is challenging and adjusted for most fitness levels.

I have been training with Kiki for almost 2 years now — I have lost 55 pounds and still counting — he has sculpted into a fitness machine! I highly recommend him for any age and any ability level — he is very astute at gaging his clients’ levels and customizing each class to accomodate everyone…2 years later I am still being challenged. It really changed my attitude towards fitness and health in general; joining this community will be the best decision you will ever make!

Kiki is amazing! Come to his workout… you won’t regret it!

What i like about Kiki the most is his kind and caring atitude. Dont get me wrong he will make you sweat and make you work your ass off. What was the most important for me, is the warm atmosfere that makes you want to come back every week. All the people are very supportive, non competitive and caring for one another. Kiki has a wonderful assistant Freddie. He is just as nice and knowledgeable and caring as Kiki. Kiki is there in the park every day rain or shine. That kind of dedication is inspiring also. As well as all those people that come to work out with him. I think every person will feel comfortable and challenged. I have seen large elderly woman working so hard and amazingly supported by everyone as well as young fit girls that can do 100 sit ups are being encouraged and pushed to the new heights. There are some men but not as many. I wonder why. As for me, I have done my first pull up in my life by my self! and I am looking forward to my next class!

I never had so much fun getting my ass whipped into shape. Kiki always has something new up his sleeve so you never get bored.

Kiki’s the man!