Cool Kickin' It

When is the last time a female posed the question to you? You know what question I'm talking about. "Does my butt look big?" Or even worse, "Does this make my butt look big?"

Can it get more awkward? And ladies, just so you don't feel as though I'm picking on you, has the man in your life ever stared at himself in the mirror while flexing nothing impressive? Maybe doing the pectoral jump? Yeah, we do.

So, this is our health issue. You can be honest with me. We all need a little kick in the rear to jumpstart a workout regimen. Tulsans undoubtedly set a New Year's resolution to regain or maintain their shape and conditioning.

Trying this on your own? Good luck. Joining a run-of-the-treadmill gym? How unexciting. Thinking about purchasing a piece of equipment for your home? Congratulations on the new clothes hanger.

The point? Many of you know my fascination with mixed martial arts. It's almost a sickness. Why not combine the two aspects?

"People are getting away from traditional... Let's join a gym and do some bench press, some dumbbell curls. That stuff is getting old," said Chris Underwood, General Manager of L.A. Boxing, 8211 East Regal Court. "The treadmill work is getting old.

Underwood was intrigued when L.A. Boxing started franchising three years ago. The original gym launched in Los Angeles in 1992 but didn't take off immediately. The mainstream acceptance of MMA opened the door.

The gym, located in front of the SpiritBank Event Center, houses a ring, dozens of heavy punching bags and weight machines. However, these are not the main selling points.

The allure? The L.A. Boxing workout. Underwood guarantees a good, thorough workout. Loose weight, tone muscles and learn self defense. What's not to like?

The workout combines several martial arts. The one-hour program includes warm-ups such as full-body stretching, lunges and push-ups. Jumping rope and shadow boxing follow, and by now you're building a nice sweat.

The instructor then asks the students to put on gloves. "That's when you start your three five-minute rounds or five three-minute rounds depending on your instructor.

"That basically simulates a fight. The instructor is at the front of the class demonstrating the combinations. They're yelling them out to you. Then, [the instructor] walks around with focus mitts -- holding them for you, working one-on-one with you, making sure your footwork is proper," explained Underwood.

Taking Names

The one-on-one training is invaluable. It's like having a personal trainer in a group atmosphere. You have to admit that it sounds much more exciting than gazing out of a window and walking aimlessly on a treadmill.

You don't have to be in phenomenal shape to join the excitement. "It doesn't matter what your skill set is or what shape you are in. We're basically a total body workout," said Underwood.

Professional fighter and instructor, Ryan Rogers told me about a girl who joined the club last week. When she started, she was out of shape, but within a week she was doing deep squats and her cardio vastly improved. "Only one week," he said.

For those of you with greater aspirations, this gym may be for you, too. Let's say you join and find a burning desire to compete. If you muster the gumption to test your abilities at the next level, L.A. Boxing is ready.

The gym features a fight club. As I left the gym, in walked Mike Budnik. Budnik is a local fighter who now competes in the WEC. He came in to "roll" with Rogers. I mention this toward the end so you are not intimidated. In fact, I can attest to their kindness. I was not choked unconscious when I asked about OU's loss in the BCS title game.

Also, in April the gym plans to hold amateur fight nights. Friends and family can come watch you test your skills. No pressure to participate.

"I like to say we're the fast food to health and fitness now. It's like a one-stop shop," said Underwood.

I'm not sure fast food and getting into shape belong in the same sentence, but somehow, in this instance, it makes sense.

The first workout is free. That's right. Stop in for a free workout and see if L.A. Boxing is for you. Visit www.laboxing.com/tulsa or call 364-4269 for more information.