CKO Kickboxing of Totowa- building strength and CONFIDENCE

Back in 2010ish, I think? I started working for CKO Kickboxing. Basically I was in college, living alone in an apartment (with much financial help and support from my parents!) but still needed a purpose (I like to work!) and some extra cash of course. A friend of mine from the job I was currently working at found their ad on Craigslist for a sales rep, made me apply (THANKS MARIA) and the rest is history.

 I'll never forget when I met my boss, Mauricio, for the interview and of course it was up a big flight of stairs. Red in the face, I had to explain why it took me forever to climb them one foot at at time and then left totally dumbfounded as to whether he liked me or hated me.... plus I am applying to sell a gym membership to kickbox, which I have never done before nor really knew if I even could do myself! Later that night my other boss, Joe, called and offered me the job on the spot. He asked when I could start, not if I definitely wanted the position so it was just meant to be!

Selling memberships meant I needed to know what I was selling.....right?! The afternoon Mauricio told me I had to take a class instead of just watching one to really get the gist of what I was offering our prospects I laughed and was like "ummm for real?" I had zero confidence in my ability to take one of these high intensity, full body, up and down, kicking, punching, squatting, push-up, sprawling, trying to SURVIVE cardio-kickboxing classes. BUT my boss told me I had to sooooooo I showed up for his 5:45am class. NO I was not so super-motivated that I woke up at the ass crack of dawn to take my very first class.....rather, I knew there was probably only about 6-12 other individuals up that early to exercise so I could hide really well and try to "blend in"....something I have never done well whether that be a blessing or a curse it's just never been me to "blend in".....

Anyway I started out right foot in front of left (totally wrong!) and couldn't do one pushup...not even ONE. And roundhouse kicks?! That meant using my weak leg (the left one DUH!) to balance so I can kick with my right.... I am dooooooommmmeeed I thought, but I am still here to tell the tale :)

Lucky for me, Mauricio didn't want their sales rep to completely SUCK at taking class so he worked with me afteward. A little confidence boost there (Thanks M!!) along with a whole lot of practice I got my stance right (left in front of right), roundhouse right, squat, and could eventually push-up with ease...upper body strength is clearly my bread and butter....PS ewwwww to bread and butter! I'm also a super health food freak and love posting my creations which are all healthy, creative and delicious food I make...you'll get a taste of that too!! No pun intended :)

OK so long story even longer..... I was an avid kickboxer and who didn't wanna buy a membership from the girl with one leg taking class with them?! I mean come on if you didn't sign up you were letting yourself get beat out by the one leg chic! JUST KIDDING...but it was a great convo starter!

After seriously getting myself motivated, wanting a better and stronger body (I struggled with an eating disorder in high school which I will talk about later on) and feeling supported by everyone in the gym I asked if teaching classes was in my future. Never counting me out, Joe and Mauricio worked with me until I was ready and BAM! AK (above the knee amputee) Kickboxing instructor at your service :)