Kosama

Since my soccer-playing days, I have all but abandoned the notion of hard workouts. I love practicing yoga, walking, and biking during the nicer months, but I do not have the gym or running motivation that I would like, especially during the winter. My friend Jacy and I were sharing a lovely evening of margaritas and mexican food when she mentioned a LivingSocial deal - $40 for 4 weeks of unlimited fitness classes at Kosama with the promise of "total body transformation." So, far a non-gym-goer, this sounded like an opportunity to get my butt whipped into shape via the inspiration and motivation of having a trainer and fellow classmates! Plus, they do not offer any gimmicks - you get out what you put in, and I like that mentality. It doesn't hurt that they started shop literally right next door to my apartment! Haha - I took that as a sign from the universe - time to return to those good ol' soccer-playin' days.

Kosama is apparently the fastest-growing fitness center in the country. They began 2 years ago in an Iowa town near Ames, and its caught on like wildfire. The co-owner of Kosama Madison told me that 50 locations just opened up in Chicago!

I have to say, I am super impressed by what I have seen and learned so far. Yesterday we had a full body fitness assessment so that we are able to track our progress. The gym is open 6 days a week and offers the same class at various times each day - and the classes vary day to day between K-4, KStrong, Kickboxing, yoga, kettleballs, and plyometrics. I'm going to be honest - I really don't know what many of these things are, but I am excited to find out. Today was BRUTAL for someone who hasn't worked her body that hard for years!! It was an hour workout, K-4, which I've read may be one of the most challenging Kosama workouts. Halfway through I contemplated, briefly, leaving - I was so dead! But luckily, because it was a class environment versus me personally working out, I stayed. The power of persuasion! Also, having a friend present is the BEST form of inspiration for those first few weeks, I'm sure! It was a 6:15am class, which is also brutal, but now it's 8:00am and I have more energy than I've had in a while, to start my day. I'm excited to persist through these classes. The goal is to confuse your muscles to help build strength and tone. I've read many good things - and everyone was super friendly. The class this morning had less than 10 people, so it felt very personalized and was another reason I stayed....too awkward to leave! And thank the UNIVERSE for that!

I'm excited to finally do yoga outside of the confines of my home, and to see what Kosama-yoga is all about. I will keep this blog posted with progress, and also to hold myself and Jacy accountable.

It feels good to return to my body. I hope you love your body today!