NY’s Best Kickboxing

I bought a Groupon with three of my friends to try and get a good workout in. I have nothing against some of the instructors and the class itself. However, I do have a few qualms about the management.
During the summer, my friends and I tried calling several times to schedule a kickboxing class. We were unsure of how to schedule, and the website offered no solution. I think a tech enhancement would do wonders for this kickboxing joint. If you could schedule classes online like at «soul cycle» or «work train fight», it would ease all uncertainty regarding class accommodations. When I brought up the fact that I have had trouble calling with the manager, he was extremely argumentative and assumed that I was just calling the wrong number.
I have witnessed management ignoring phone calls. As I stretched a few minutes before class, I have seen some of the people manning the front desk not answer the phone. I think it would be helpful if there was always someone working the desk and someone instructing the class. If budgets are tight, they should provide a stronger online platform.
For New Years, I found no updated schedule online. When I tried calling the studio to confirm, no one picked up. Their voicemail did not even include an updated schedule. Considering my history calling them, I decided to check out the studio in person. After all, there are several workout studios open on the first day of the year to help people accomplish their New Years resolutions. But to my dismay, they were closed and did not have the courtesy to notify me either online, through email, or over the phone.
In my few months here, I have witnessed extremely poor communication between those working at the studio and those trying to take classes. This has really hurt my perception of the company and I will not be returning.

I’m editing my review after the owners response.
Original review:
Today in the morning I made up my mind to give this place a rating of 1. I read through all the reviews and I’m glad I won’t be guilt ridden, cause I’m not the only one who feels this way.
Below are my reasons:
A. Quality of coaching: I’ve been to ilovekickboxing in 3 other locations, and the first class is where you get some personal attention. I noticed that there is no concept of personal attention here. The trainer seems to do his own thing, and the pupils seem to do their own thing. I saw people get their jab and cross wrong, which is the most fundamental thing they could have taught people. The trainer tried some complicated variations with a back kick etc, but no one got it right, and he couldn’t care lesser.
B. The workout itself: the quality of workout is not great. It was not intense, I dint feel challenged, and it was just so below ordinary that I felt like hitting the bag a little more myself. They have a 10 minute ‘warm up’ which is shadow punching and some hiit. Not enough and not good. The punching bags are so close to each other that you run the risk of knocking down the adjacent person with a side kick. They have these metal poles at the edges, which again are quite close to the bags. The bags themselves are not the mounted ones but suspended by ropes. So you need to keep adjusting to the swinging oscillating bags.
C. Supplies: On my first day, they were out on wraps. On the second class, they still were out of wraps. On my third day, still out. Are you kidding? Not only that, they don’t even insist on their people using wraps. They don’t have a water cooler or a fountain. They sell water (selling water is okay), but if you run out of water in the middle of the class, you’re expected to go to your locker, bring them $ 1.5 and that’s how you get more water. No, no water for you till you pay them.
D. On a Sunday, the building is locked and they don’t answer when you ring the bill. (Cause it’s just one person in the gym, and that’s the trainer. So if the music is blasting, he can’t hear anything). ((So better be on time)) I was turned back this one day when I came in 8 minutes late. It’s fair if that’s a standard policy, but neither was I informed about this, nor did it seem fair since I struggled to get into the building for 5 minutes.
I’m not coming back here.
You shouldn’t come here.
The other locations are close by and seem nicer (but please read reviews before buying that Groupon)
Edits:
1. David, I don’t need your refund. Keep it. Use it to fix your facility.
2. You shouldn’t patronize me and tell me I’m frustrated cause I couldn’t get in. My review isn’t about that. I raised legit concerns about the quality of the workouts offered by you guys.
3. Thanks for your sermon on how I must be using groupons. How about you go raise this concern with ilovekickboxing and Groupon so they disallow this practice? From what I understand, ilovekickboxing does not own any of these studios. You guys are franchisees. And the quality depends on each franchisee. For eg: you guys are terrible, and the other ones are wonderful. So principally, im well within my rights to use a ‘trial’ before I go on to actually become a member. Secondly, you guys offer a non Groupon deal yourself. So please, save me the lecture.
4. I think you’re missing the point David. All of these bad reviews that you are receiving from all your customers is all a message — you need to fix something. I can’t waste any more of my time in drilling that message in your head.
I hope you guys get your business sorted out.

Fast results with the best trainers all you need is 1 hour a day… The sessions are convenient and the perks and challenges are so motivating. Very professional

Best, most intense workout ever! I’ve been struggling for so many years trying to get fit on my own, especially these past two years having my second baby. The baby weight just would not budge and now i’m finally starting to see and feel a difference. Within my self confidence and my clothing. The classes are challenging for me and hard to keep up but I’m willing to see how far my body can take. I“m not where I want to be yet but I’m so happy that I’m finally on the right path at I Love Kickboxing at 247 West 35^th Street.

I am rating this place the lowest possible for the following reasons:
1– I bought I Groupon to try out the classes, when I called to make a reservation to go for the first time the person on the phone (which was the owner) was extremely impolite and just had a nasty attitude as soon as I mentioned it was a Groupon deal. I asked to attend the earliest class any day of the week and I was informed they were usually at max capacity and gave me an appointment for a week later. When I got there the place was empty.
2– For some reason everybody that works here have a bad attitude, I should have read the reviews that people let before, THEY WERE ALL TRUE.
3– When I attended my 3^rd class, I asked the instructor if it was possible to use the boxing bags alone and not with a partner, it was truly just a simple question to which he replied screaming that there were not enough bags for everyone and kicked me out of the class. This treatment towards people in general is just UNACCEPTABLE. I left the class quietly and feeling some how verbally abused, my reaction was to leave a bad review in Unilocal,which some how got removed.
4-​When I decided to come back to give the place another chance (and since I still had 6 classes) the owner (Guy on the front desk with glasses the one that is rude to everyone over the phone) started creaming to me because i left a bad review. He didnt even ask what was the reason of my review, but instead screamed to me like a psychologically unstable person.
In conclusion I would recommend you avoid this place @ West 35 st. not a good experience. Save your time and money!
However I have to make it clear that I’ve heard wonderful things about the other branches which are manage by different people.

I apologize for not responding sooner. I had not seen your message. But I am completely sure this happened at the 34^th street location. And I have a large group of people in the class who witnessed this. It was extremely disrespectful and not to mention rude and I couldn’t believe it. Furthermore, I have heard that others have decided to not return after their contracts are complete because of the horrible customer service.
Thank you for reaching out to me. I hope your team will improve their customer service skills moving forward and no one will ever have to experience something like this in the future at your location.

This is not a fake review. Unilocal knows it. I was in Buffalo from Nov 2013 until February 2015 so if you are trying void my review, you are wrong. Please see my newest check-​ins — all in NYC area.
Instead of trying to make me out to be a fake reviewer, fix this business instead.
This is to show how instead of fixing their business, they are trying to trash talk someone who wrote a positive review.

Cons:
My gloves smelled like cigarettes when I got them and when I asked for another pair the trainer said that they all smell like that lol.
there are no showers so plan accordingly.
The biggest problem this place has is the guy behind the desk. He isn’t very nice and if you read other reviews you will see it’s not just me (he also responds to the bad ones and you can get a taste of his personality).
Pros:
Good thing is you do sweat in the class.
Every time I went there weren’t a lot of people so I could learn at my own pace.
My opinion is to try out the 3 class groupon here and if you like it go to the actual I love kick boxing studio at Chelsea. There are showers, smells better, more classes, nicer people.
Response to manager: (he changed his responses after I posted this, guess he realized how nasty he was being)
1) they weren’t in a bag. I know the difference between leather and cigarettes.
2) I didn’t complain about the showers. Read again what I wrote…“plan accordingly“
3) Unilocal is an app to honestly give your opinion on businesses so other people do not regret their purchases or visits like I did with your establishment.
4) 4 hours? Try 2 months. Corporate told me they were trying to contact you.
(You never picked up my phone calls so that I could transfer to the Chelsea location. I had to contact corporate and explain to them how rude you were being. Their response was «we know and are aware of his attitude. A lot of people complain about him.»)

I love love love this place. The teachers are the best and the atmosphere is great. It has been one of my best experiences regarding fitness. I was always motivated to go and give my best in each routine. If you are willing to start a fit life, try this place you are going to learn so much. I am very happy of being a part of this community, it just makes me happy as soon as I step in the facility. Best workouts ever!

I have been working out here for the past 4 months and I have to say I love it. The instructors here are awesome. I purchased the groupon promotion and decided to become a member instantly. If you need the motivation these guys definitely give you that extra kick. Exactly what I was looking for and thanks to these amazing classes I am loving the new me.

Purchased Groupon yesterday and immediately called to schedule for evening next day. The person who answered was pretty nasty once I advised him of the Groupon purchase. At first he was ready to schedule me then once I said «purchased through Groupon», he said there were no available time slots for next day, I would have to wait till Monday.
I was pretty excited since my coworker told me it was a breeze to purchase and schedule. Since I knew we were all going together, I was stern on next day. I then advised him to forget it and I will schedule for another time.
Immediately advised my coworker of the phone conversation and she was quite shocked since she was able to book a slot a few minutes prior to me calling. But I was really not surprised because I have experienced this with other companies once you advise of a Groupon deal, they are not as friendly (which has nothing to do with the consumer).
I then decided to call again within the hour and not disclose the Groupon deal. Same person I spoke with answered and I advised him that this was not my first time but second time and I would like to schedule an appt. He then asked me what time and my name. He then said he could not find me in the system under my name however it’s okay, I should just come and sign in once I reach.
Next day, went with two of my coworkers (their second time) and I immediately stopped in the front to advise them of my attendance. This time I said my name and this was my first time. The receptionist immediately said, «You told me this was your second time, I remember you. I have to r/​s you for another day». He had so much attitude and I quickly stopped him and said, «Sir, I did tell you this was my second time however you were not trying to give me an available date other then Monday. So yes, I did say it was my second time cause I was excited in taking the class.» At this time, another man standing beside him interjected cause he must be familiar with this. I then asked (David-​person who interjected) how does it work and is there a difference from those who purchase on the website and those who purchase a Groupon. To cut a long story short, he told me the next available for my first time would have to be 10 days out. Then he said Apr. 9^th which is not quite 10 days and I advised him. Which he then became defensive and wanted to give me the website to check out another place to go. I then told him my job is a block away and it is more convenient for me to patronize this particular spot.
Needless to say, I scheduled for the 9^th and I was also adamant about placing this review.
For my first time trying to get my mind right, this was not what I was expecting. Maybe my review will change once I take a class or two. Might be better off just getting my money back from Groupon!
Note: Please forgive me for the lengthy review but I NEEDED to get this out!!! :-)
WTH??? Does anyone see the comments that David R. posts after you give a negative review? Wow, UNBELIEVABLE!!!

All I can say is that gym is awesome. Instructors are very knowledgeable, very friendly and I feel like I’m a part of the family. I love the way classes are conducted, and I like the atmosphere. Instructors know me by name, and I always look forward for that hour in a gym.
Come here ready to sweat. These workouts are no joke, but you will learn the proper techniques that will help in case of emergency. Either beginner or not, you will wind these workouts both drenching and extremely satisfying.
I highly recommend this gym and I’m a client for life!

I don’t understand all the negative reviews on here… I signed up last week and went to my first class and thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t feel at all pressured to sign up for an extended membership — as many have commented on here. Also, what was great about the class was the fact it was a full hour constant workout — the instructor was great.
As it was my first class and I have no kickboxing experience, I didn’t know the right techniques for all the moves — but so many of the experienced class members were more than happy to help and show how to do the move properly (I later realized these class members were also instructors of other classes). This really helped and was much appreciated!
Please ignore the negative reviews, comments about smell etc. I personally didn’t notice the smell — I signed up for a proper workout, and that is exactly what I got — of course it might smell after the class because you get a great sweat on, but surely that reflects the success of the class? I would be disappointed if I wasn’t sweaty.
I bought a package — not due to pressure — but because I really enjoyed the class and the deal is very very good — not many places in NYC you will find such a reasonable yet brilliant workout package.

I LOVE this place! I joined a few months ago, and I can say that I have definitely enjoyed my experience. I find the staff friendly and the workouts intense. Since joining, I’ve lost about 11 pounds, which is great, because I can’t really carry a lot of weight. Though I’m far from my goal, I’m motivated to continue kickboxing.

When I started coming to this gym over a year ago, I was a wad of cookie dough.
I came from a Taekwondo background so I was confident with my legs, but had no stamina, couldn’t throw a proper jab, and had back pain from an old moving injury.
At first I worked out one day a week, because that’s what I could handle. The instructors encouraged me to push myself, and make the most of my time. This made we want to come back, despite the sore muscles. So I started coming twice a week, then three times, and now up to five times a week if I can find the time.
The results of the rigorous warmups, core conditioning, and bag drills are evident. My beer gut is gone (people have said this to my face), I am 10 pounds lighter, I sprint up subway steps, my back pain has disappeared (since my now strong core has improved my posture), and I punch/​kick harder and faster than I ever have.
This has raised awareness of my body, my diet, and general health. Did I mention that this gym is also run by real fighters? Check them out on Youtube, and see for yourself. I don’t expect to find myself in any MMA cages or bar brawls anytime soon, but I feel prepared for whatever physical challenges I may encounter.
What’s great about this spot is that you can bite off as much as you want. Do a couple of classes a week to keep you even, or push your limits. There will be no judgements. I am now taking advantage of the Muy Thai and Jiu Jitsu classes.
To those who complain about the smell, I task you to visit any respected boxing gym and tell me it doesn’t smell. It smells because people sweat when they train hard, and sweaty people stink. It’s the nature of the beast. If you are looking for fancy juice bar or spray tanned trainers, this is not the place for you. This is a place to work, and have fun doing it.

I am hoping that I’m not jinxing myself but I really enjoyed my first session at this gym. I had a great workout and because of that one workout I brought the gym special promotion. I figure with less than 10 dollars a session and the workout I’m doing, it’s worth it in the long run.
Overall, I gave it 4 out of 5 because honestly the instructor was not all that great and the gym really smells. They do try to convince you to buy the special promotion package but I believe that’s how most small business are. If your intention is really to work up a sweat, then this gym is for you.

I have been a member at this gym for 11 months and it has become my second home. The coaches have helped me to reach my goals as an athlete, and unlike some other martial gyms, they actually care very much about helping you reach those goals.
The other gym members are extremely friendly and both the instructors and my teammates have become like family to me. The facility itself is kept very clean, and they offer an unbelievable class schedule, with classes 7 days a week at all times of the day.
Aside from that, they are extremely affordable for a martial arts gym in NYC. For newcomers, they offer amazing web specials and coupons. There are classes catered to those at all levels of experience, from beginners to those looking to fight at the amateur and professional levels.

I’ve been a member for three years and have stuck with it this long because I’ve finally found a fitness routine I actually look forward to and love doing every day. Since starting I’ve lost about twenty pounds, but the most important thing is that at 50, I am in the best physical shape of my life and more confident about my body and the things I can do with it.
The classes haven’t gotten boring or dry yet. The instructors are patient, skilled and motivational; the routines are high-​energy and adrenaline-​pumping, and the location and schedule are convenient enough to fit most students’ needs.
Best bang for my bucks! I can’t say enough good things about this gym. Their name says it all :)

I bought the online special– 5 classes for $ 29.99. It was a part of my take advantage of cool things in NYC. It is nicely one block from my office, which is fantastically convenient. I went to my first class one Monday night after work… egh.
Okay so the work out isn’t too bad. Unfortunately I wasn’t pouring with sweat once I left, which I kind of like to be when I take an hour out of my after-​work time to work out. The trainer was good and seemed knowledgeable about kickboxing.
I believe my biggest issue came from the other people in the classroom. There were a couple of guys and the rest were sturdy girls who look like those PWT girls that beat up other girls (& guys) just to prove they were tough. As the new person, who hasn’t taken a kickboxing class since freshman year in college (a while ago), I was also disappointed my partner was annoyed I didn’t come in the class already knowing what I was supposed to do. Hello– I’m new.
Sadly I spent almost $ 30 on 5 classes & really I’ve been dreading going back for just my 2^nd class. Of course since they don’t offer refunds, I’m just going to have to man (or woman) up & go back… ugh!

One of my coworkers forced me to sign up, and they are in the perfect locations since they are the next door to my job and I was officially hooked from the first class.
It was a great full body workout. I could barely move my arms and was officially sore for the next couple of day all over my body. Def join if you are looking to workout your entire body.
The only negative NO SHOWERS so makes it a bit difficult to workout b4 work or even at my lunch break. The facility is very clean.