Newsletter: January 2023

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas break, and we all had our fill of mince pies, sherry, and other pleasures. Back to it now and maybe with some New Year Resolutions to uphold?

We can expect at least half if not many more of you have some sort of thought that goes like – “...this is the year I finally get my abs…” or perhaps “…no more weekday drinking for me...” or the classic “…I will finally get use of that gym membership, I promise…”

Well, you all know that we can help with all of those and more. Want to see those abs? then book some classes in and start burning those excess calories with intense kickboxing sessions. Maybe you need or more focused approach with some personal training sessions to help control those weekday indulgences or just getting your arse to our facilities and start making a change…for real this time!

We got your back, now let’s get to it!

Kids: This month’s shoutout goes to a member who is always a pleasure to teach, has great self-confidence and is very technically able for his level. During his recent grading, he has shown us why he is at that belt and that he has great potential in the future. His sparring is confident, calculated, and controlled which is a massive improvement from 3 months ago. I would like to see you compete again in 2023! A huge well done to Filip Sied.

Adults: A massive shoutout to this member for various reasons, from smashing her red belt grading to pushing the Christmas night out to other members. She has started coming to the sparring session on a Thursday at 6pm over the past few months and her improvements in confidence and ability have skyrocketed. This was shown in her grading, very competent for your grade so well done. Great effort Kath Raw and your help within the club is much appreciated. Thank you.

EKA Challenge: A new year means a new challenge! The kids had some challenging months back in 2022 but Ryan doesn't seem like he wants to let them off this year...no pain, no gain.

The lead instructor for the kids, Ryan, has chosen to jump straight into 2023 with a tough challenge to get things started!

How many jumping front kicks can you do in 1 minute?

The team have begun their transition to fully digital. Previously, new clients/members would fill out enrolment forms and sign-up sheets on their first sessions. now all forms are done on sign up of the app in a quick an easy manner.

The bonus effect is less paper, and ink is used saving on the environmental and business costs. It also improves the team’s mental health too, as no-one ever in the history of modern technology has had a good time using a printer.

The following is a summary of the EKA event written by Kath. Thanks for being the least inebriated among us to recount the night.

"Ryan became an honorary girl again Sat night. Although David and James offered moral support during their time out, the boys need to do better next time!

The result was his own security team.

As if the guys weren't outnumbered enough, reinforcements Rachel and Cheryl (courtesy of Viki and Kath), made a great impression. Coming to a class near you soon (we hope)! Warning, watch out for Cheryl's dance moves featuring on leg day.

Beer pong was unnecessary at this Roxy social, a new game of 'Ryan pong' was born. Rachel performed incredibly well in the firing line. Anyone who succeeds in catching, in a wine glass, a ping pong ball fired from Ryan's mouth may rename the game. Disclaimer don't try this at home... or anywhere. This is the result of quite a few baby Guinness', all thanks to Maria for those!

The music was more random than Saturday morning Jukebox, but Foo Fighters to Abba meant something for everyone.

Ryan and James eventually got into the spirit (spirits?) and held their own with the backing dancers. Think 'Top of the Pops Pan's People' and you'll have the idea.

A big thanks to the members who made it out this time round, whether it was a flying visit or staying out until 4am, totally not aimed at Kath and Cheryl... thank you all.

For those of you who couldn't join us this time, we want to make it up to you. Plans have begun for the next event... Suggestions on a postcard to Ryan please!!"

- Kath, Unofficial EKA social co-ordinator and Red Belt

Grading will be scheduled for start of March 2023. Please keep your eyes peeled and ears to the ground to see when you next belt is, alternatively you can view the dates on the EKA site.

Kettlebells are a staple at the Elemental Fitness gym but why are they any good? Why choose them over dumbbells? Well…give this a read and find out why.