Spring Into Kickboxing: Your Beginner's Guide to Getting Started

No experience needed - just show up and we'll take it from there

9Round Lakeview • 3911 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60613

There's something about spring in Chicago that makes you want to move. The snow melts, the patios open up along Broadway, and suddenly you've got energy you forgot you had. If you've been thinking about trying kickboxing but haven't taken the leap yet, this is your sign.

We know walking into any new fitness studio can feel like a big step, especially if kickboxing sounds intense. But here's what we tell everyone who comes through the door at our Lakeview studio: it's a lot more welcoming than you think. Here's everything you need to know before your first visit.

What Actually Happens When You Walk In

The first thing you'll notice is that there's no crowd waiting for a class to start. That's because our workouts don't run on a schedule. You walk in when you're ready, and a trainer gets you started right away. The circuit has nine stations, and you rotate through each one with guidance the entire time.

Stations include a mix of boxing and kickboxing techniques, core exercises, and cardio conditioning. Each round is three minutes, and the whole workout wraps up in about 30 minutes. It goes fast, and our trainers are there to show you every move. No guesswork involved.

"I've Never Done This Before" - That's Totally Fine

Most of the people who train with us had zero kickboxing experience when they started. Some hadn't worked out in months, or even years. That's the whole point: you don't need a fitness base to begin. The trainers at our Broadway location are great at meeting people where they are, whether that's scaling down a movement or just slowing things down until you find your rhythm.

You'll build strength, coordination, and endurance as you go. And because the workout changes daily, your body keeps adapting. It's the kind of challenge that actually feels fun, not punishing.

Why Spring Is a Great Time to Start

Chicago winters are long, and it's completely normal for your routine to slide a little when it's dark by 4:30. But spring gives you a natural reset. The energy in Lakeview picks up. People are out along Halsted, the park across the way at Gill Park starts filling up, and everything just feels a little more alive.

Starting a new workout when that energy is already around you makes it so much easier to stay consistent. And consistency is really the whole game when it comes to fitness.

What to Wear and Bring

Nothing special is required. Just wear workout clothes you can move in and bring a water bottle. We'll provide boxing gloves and hand wraps for your trial session, so there's nothing to buy before you come in. Supportive sneakers (cross-trainers are great, running shoes work too) will keep you comfortable through all nine rounds.

Why Kickboxing Clicks for So Many People

If you're someone who gets bored doing the same workout over and over, kickboxing solves that problem. The routines change every day, so there's always something new to learn. You're working different muscle groups, different combinations, different energy systems, and it keeps your brain engaged in a way that most gym workouts don't.

And then there's the stress relief. Hitting a heavy bag after a tough day is incredibly satisfying. A lot of our Lakeview members tell us kickboxing has become their favorite way to unwind, and they notice a real difference in how they feel even after just a couple of weeks.

A Studio That Feels Like Your Neighborhood

Lakeview is one of those neighborhoods where people actually know each other: at the coffee shop, at the park, at the gym. Our studio on Broadway has that same feeling. The members come from all backgrounds and fitness levels, and there's a real sense of community. Whether you're popping in before your commute on the Red Line or stopping by after work, you'll see familiar faces and trainers who remember your name.

THE BOTTOM LINE

You don't need experience, you don't need to be fit, and you don't need to have it all figured out. Just walk in. Our trainers at 9Round Lakeview will handle the rest. This spring, try the workout that's been getting people in your neighborhood excited about fitness again.