I am all about a good sweat therapy session and 9Round sounds like just that. A 30-minute kickboxing circuit, 9Round Fitness is full of high-intensity interval training. There is a trainer in the gym at all times, and here's the best part: There is no schedule of classes. Members can come and go as they please during the gym’s flexible schedule.
I spoke with 9Round 4th Street owner Dave Belot, who left a career in hospitality to follow his dream of working in the fitness industry. Originally from Massachusetts, Belot got into running when he moved to St. Pete and quickly fell in love with the smorgasbord of a fitness scene Tampa Bay has to offer. Belot became a distance runner who also competes in duathlons and triathlons. When the opportunity to try out a 9Round workout presented itself, Belot says he jumped at the chance:
“A friend introduced me to the workout at a nearby 9Round. That was my first experience with boxing and I loved it!” he says. “Besides a great full-body workout it's also an incredible stress relief. Nothing like some punching and kicking to let go of the daily stress! I was hooked, pun intended, immediately. I not only fell in love with the workout, but also the unique concept. As an avid runner I love that the 9Round workout has strengthened my legs, hips, and core and has improved my balance — all of which has had a positive impact on my running results.”
When I ask what sets 9Round apart from other workouts, Belot is quick to answer. “9Round Fitness is such a great concept.There is no other exercise program like it. Different workouts every day, workouts are unlimited, nutritional guidance and meal planning tools are available at no extra cost, there are no long-term commitments. But what truly sets us apart from the rest of the exercise pack is there are no class times. A new round starts every three minutes, so you get your workout in on your own schedule. There is also a certified 9Round trainer with you during every workout.”
Belot says member demographics are diverse — while the majority of 9Rounders are ages 22-54, members as young as 12 years old can sign up. I smile when Belot mentions the fact that they have a 77 year-old member, a “gentleman who kills it every time.”
I recently visited 9Round Fitness on 4th Street in St. Pete. Having no prior experience with kickboxing, I was a little nervous going in and asked my mom to join me. My mom shares my love for fitness and despite (or perhaps because of) the clumsiness I inherited from her, we both love to laugh.
My mom and I walked into 9Round and Belot greeted us with a smile. His enthusiasm for the workout was evident as he toured us around the small space. Nine stations were set up in a circle, with brief workout descriptions posted on the wall next to each one. Some stations hold a punching bag; others have a step-up and dumbbells; still more have jump ropes and bags to kick and punch in rotation.
I’ll be honest: I’d had one hell of a week and I was ready to punch the shit outta some shit. The stress relief Belot had promised had come at the perfect time for me and I could only hope this workout lived up to expectations because I need it.
As I looped the wraps around my knuckles and across my palms, I already felt like a badass. Once my hot pink boxing gloves (magenta is a power color, right?) were strapped on I was ready to go. I half-expected “Eye of the Tiger” to start blasting over the speakers, I was feeling so good.
Belot went over the workout with us briefly before we jumped in and started. My mom, in her 60s and sassy as hell, managed to beast the workout and make me proud. I began with jumping rope and my excitement grew as I eyed the punching bag.
Each station’s workout lasts for three minutes, which prevents both boredom and burnout. I love that I can start on any round and rotate through the circulation; even with other members in the middle of their workout I had my own space in the small gym and did not have to share equipment or wait for someone else to be finished before I could start.
At last I arrived at my first punching bag and by the time the round’s three minutes were up I am smiling like a lunatic. This shit feels good, I thought, and I could already see how easy it is to fall in love with kickboxing.
My mom and I finished up our workout and although it had only been 30 minutes, we both had a good sweat going. I could tell we would be sore the next day and I was looking forward to it.
We both smiled as we left and already I couldn't wait until the next round. I could see why 9Round is becoming so popular: a great workout I can fit into my crazy schedule with no class times and I’m done in 30 minutes? Not to mention all the kicking and punching felt damn good.
9Round is on to something, and I encourage anyone looking to step up their fitness game to give it a shot. Especially if you need to punch the shit outta some shit.
Visit 9Round.com for more info.
This article appears in May 16-23, 2019.