Interview with Owner of iLoveKickboxing, Jennifer Ma

Part of our mission at SSP is to create meaningful relationships with local businesses, building a stronger community in South Slope and introducing our families to these business owners that share a love for our local culture.  One such business is iLoveKickboxing, which Jennifer Ma, an expecting mom and soon to be patient of South Slope Pediatrics, opened with her husband Rick Rodriguez two years ago. Bonus - it’s literally just across the street from SSP!  Let’s talk to Jennifer and learn about how her business came to be!

SSP:  What made you make the decision to open iLoveKickboxing two years ago in Park Slope?

I started going to the iLoveKickboxing in Bayside, Queens, where I grew up. I had gone through a huge family loss at that time in 2014, losing both my parents very close together. Trying to cope with my emotions, I found happiness in kickboxing. I started going 3 times a week and then taking double classes up to 4-5x per week. The encouraging, friendly and positive instructors of iLoveKickboxing was made me really look forward to punching the bag everyday. My husband and I wanted to bring this unique fitness experience to Brooklyn where there wasn’t yet an iLoveKickboxing location and help others the way it helped me.

SSP:  Can you tell us about your personal background, and how you got involved in this sport?

I have a background in cosmetic marketing and have been in the beauty industry for 10 years. I am not an excellent kickboxer but that’s not the point; it’s about the way our team of instructors can help transform lives through confidence, weight loss, toning and emotional improvement.

SSP:  Many of us have never tried kickboxing before.   Can you tell us about the classes, and how someone is introduced?

Just like me when I first started, I never kickboxed before in my life! I was scared but my first day I was set up with an awesome instructor who stayed with me 1-1 throughout the entire class. They showed me at a slower pace how to do the proper moves. I was definitely out of breath but it was so empowering. I knew I had to stick with it and I signed up for a membership. The more I went, the more I fell in love with the fun workout. It will be the BEST HOUR OF YOUR DAY. Anyone who is interested to try out a class can go to iLoveKickboxing.com and sign up for a 3 class trial with a pair of free gloves for only $19.99. Our goal is to ensure our first day friends do not feel initiated and know that you will have someone right next to you to guide you the entire way.

SSP:  Would you suggest your classes for all ages and all levels of athleticism?  

We welcome everyone that is 18 years or older and all fitness levels, especially beginner. If you are 13-17 years old, a parent or legal guardian is required to sit with you the entire class on the first day only.

SSP:  How does the kickboxing workout differ from other workouts?

We walk you through step by step and “hold your hand” (but not literally) on your first day to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You will feel the positive, upbeat energy of the studio from our staff members the moment you walk through our door! It will be the best hour of your day because it is like you are at a “party” with some of the nicest people while leaving feeling sore and sweaty. We promise to deliver the best 1 hour of your day with a total HIIT body workout that is fun, consistent and never boring. We’ve seen so many transformations from our members within 6 weeks of working out at least 3x per week with us and welcome others to join us so we can help them reach their fitness goals.

SSP:  As someone who knows very little about kickboxing, I would think this would be an incredible way to let out all frustrations and stress.  What do you think are the most important benefits?

The most important benefits of kickboxing is to forget about everything that happened in your day and to focus only on you-this is your 1 hour that you dedicate to yourself to releasing those endorphins in your body that leaves you feel accomplished, empowered and healthy. Not only do our members see weight loss, inches lost, but the way they feel the day after or 36 hours after each workout makes them skip to work happy!

SSP: I understand that not only do you help make people feel amazing from taking your classes, but you make them feel good about donating to special causes.  Can you tell us more?

We donate as much as possible to the local community by selecting a few schools a year to donate a charity basket, working with Little Essentials to help with baby gear donations, and working with members to help with their individual charities that they believe in. With every check in on Facebook or Instagram, a member is contributing to a different cause a month from donating dog food to a shelter to 3 meals to a child in need. We are part of a franchise but as a local business owner, my mission is to help as many people as possible inside and outside of our studio.

For more information, please go to https://www.ilovekickboxing.com/studio/signup/Park-Slope-NY or call 347.464.8818 3447.464.8818