CKO Kickboxing To Open On Flatbush Avenue This Summer

A new studio where you can get in shape while having fun is about to open in the area. CKO Kickboxing, a regional chain, is launching a new space at 102 Flatbush Avenue, just across the street from BAM, this summer, though they’re already offering pre-sale discounts to neighbors who want to get a jump on the program.

The Park Slope location comes from the same people behind the one in Carroll Gardens (562 Court Street), which was established in 2008 and purchased by Kelly Chiusano in 2013.

“Kelly fell in love with the concept and had to have it!” says Adriana Di Dino, who, with Kristine Simoneschi, have been instructors at CKO Carroll Gardens since around the time it opened. The three women are now all partners in both the Carroll Gardens and Park Slope locations.

“We decided to open a second location in Park Slope because it’s such an amazing community, and we wanted to continue to share the love of what we do,” Adriana says. “We love our members and have developed such great relationships with them over the years. It was so exciting to share the news with them!”

The team says that at Carroll Gardens, the instructors and members are very friendly, positive, and have a great dynamic.

“It’s one of the best places to go to lose weight, have fun, and get in shape,” Adriana says.

Part of the draw of CKO is that you’re punching and kicking a real hanging heavy bag, and they say the resistance from hitting it burns more calories and tones your muscles faster than if you were just punching and kicking the air.

“Hitting the heavy bag improves your muscle tone and your cardio endurance,” she says, “not to mention in one hour it burns up to 1,200 calories — nothing else comes close.”

The classes allow members to go at their own pace, so whether you’ve been doing it for a while or you’re brand new to kickboxing, you’ll be able to get something out of it.

“It’s a full body workout that is equally fun as it is effective!” Adriana says.

Just as important, though, is that you’re doing something fun, that’s the right fit for you.

“You have to enjoy the type of exercise you choose and then it won’t feel like it’s something you have to do, rather something you want to do,” she says. “That’s what we aim to provide at our clubs.”

They’re still working on the new space, but hope to have CKO Park Slope open this summer. They’ve already launched pre-sale discounts, which you can sign up for online. The pre-sale offers half-price enrollment, discounted annual membership, and the first 100 people to sign up get free gloves and a free CKO T-shirt.

“We are so excited to have the opportunity to become a part of this amazing neighborhood,” Adriana says. “Our goal is to facilitate in changing lives. At CKO kickboxing you not only work on your body, but you also work on your mind.”

Photo via CKO Park Slope