Testimonials
Aikifit is a new fitness program in Toronto that combines martial arts exercises with athletic strength conditioning program. The goal of AikiFit's hybrid combination of martial arts and strength conditioning exercises is to provide participants with a total body conditioning experience that is both fun and challenging, and tailored to the each person's individual needs. Read on to find out how participants have enjoyed and benefited from their Aikifit workout.
Below are some pictures and reviews from recent customers.
Love the combination of Kung Fu, boxing and strength conditioning exercises
Finding Aikifit was a much welcomed surprise! I had heard of Aikifit through a family member who had been doing it and loved it. I have always been hesitant about gyms and working out with other people but about six months ago I had a friend who was out of shape and needed support to get healthy again. I signed us both up for Aikifit. I had been sold on it because it wasn't like the usual gym experience and the class sizes were small. I had met Jesse a few times and he was incredibly warm and not in the least the intimidating drill sergeant trainers i had met through other fitness programs. My friend and I began taking the classes and right away I was hooked!
The community of people who take Aikifit are amazing and Jesse is always supportive and encouraging. The integration of various martial arts (especially Kung Fu!) as well as boxing and strength conditioning keeps each class exciting and new. Thanks Aikifit!
Finding Aikifit was a much welcomed surprise! I had heard of Aikifit through a family member who had been doing it and loved it. I have always been hesitant about gyms and working out with other people but about six months ago I had a friend who was out of shape and needed support to get healthy again. I signed us both up for Aikifit. I had been sold on it because it wasn't like the usual gym experience and the class sizes were small. I had met Jesse a few times and he was incredibly warm and not in the least the intimidating drill sergeant trainers i had met through other fitness programs. My friend and I began taking the classes and right away I was hooked!
The community of people who take Aikifit are amazing and Jesse is always supportive and encouraging. The integration of various martial arts (especially Kung Fu!) as well as boxing and strength conditioning keeps each class exciting and new. Thanks Aikifit!
Karla B
When I started learning Aikido 5 months ago, I walked in on an AikiFit class. One person was practicing kicks and the other (Kali, another instructor at Naka Ima ) was boxing on pads with Jesse. I thought “that’s what I need!”
But at first the Aikido training was demanding enough, so I waited.
I walked in with my sister again weeks later. Jesse offered me a trial class.
I was nervous but excited! It was great! I was decided to join!
Once I joined, I could feel muscles I did not know I had working right away!
It is such a good feeling! It felt like my body was waking up after a long sleep.
I lost 10 pounds in just 2 months. I had fun doing it all the way! And my steps are lighter than they have been in a long time even though I have been doing sports most of my life!
But at first the Aikido training was demanding enough, so I waited.
I walked in with my sister again weeks later. Jesse offered me a trial class.
I was nervous but excited! It was great! I was decided to join!
Once I joined, I could feel muscles I did not know I had working right away!
It is such a good feeling! It felt like my body was waking up after a long sleep.
I lost 10 pounds in just 2 months. I had fun doing it all the way! And my steps are lighter than they have been in a long time even though I have been doing sports most of my life!
Sylvie B
Great workout routine
AikiFit is a great workout routine that is challenging and never boring. Every class is different using a variety of exercise routines that challenges you to push your limit. During class, we are working multiple body parts simultaneously in each exercise, making the boredom factor low and the muscle exhaustion factor high. You know you are getting a good workout because you can feel it the next couple days.
Jesse offers modifications for all the exercises, and you can still get a lot out of the workout even if you go at your own pace. He does an excellent job encouraging the participants and insuring we have proper form.
I find AikiFit to be an efficient and effective full body workout. Each workout is wonderfully challenging and I always feel great when I finish.
AikiFit is a great workout routine that is challenging and never boring. Every class is different using a variety of exercise routines that challenges you to push your limit. During class, we are working multiple body parts simultaneously in each exercise, making the boredom factor low and the muscle exhaustion factor high. You know you are getting a good workout because you can feel it the next couple days.
Jesse offers modifications for all the exercises, and you can still get a lot out of the workout even if you go at your own pace. He does an excellent job encouraging the participants and insuring we have proper form.
I find AikiFit to be an efficient and effective full body workout. Each workout is wonderfully challenging and I always feel great when I finish.
Andre A
Aikifit classes are thoroughly enjoyable. I especially appreciate the variety within each session. I can't wait for the next one!
Amy T
Aikifit should be part of anyone's fitness goals
As a 55 year old out-of-shape man, I have been trying to get back to a reasonable state of fitness in the past few months. I do not enjoy large crowded fitness clubs, and cannot run due to knee problems.
AikiFit has been an important element of my current fitness plan. I have found the one hour classes to be collegial, exhausting and nicely varied (No two classes are ever alike). Some of the movements are unfamiliar to me but I enjoy the challenge.
Jesse Brown, our instructor, is a good, patient, mindful leader and is quick with alternatives due to any mobility, strength or fitness challenges. He sets a pleasant, yet focused atmosphere, in which each of us work out to the best of our individual abilities. Highly recommended as an important part of anyone's fitness goals, regardless of age or fitness level.
As a 55 year old out-of-shape man, I have been trying to get back to a reasonable state of fitness in the past few months. I do not enjoy large crowded fitness clubs, and cannot run due to knee problems.
AikiFit has been an important element of my current fitness plan. I have found the one hour classes to be collegial, exhausting and nicely varied (No two classes are ever alike). Some of the movements are unfamiliar to me but I enjoy the challenge.
Jesse Brown, our instructor, is a good, patient, mindful leader and is quick with alternatives due to any mobility, strength or fitness challenges. He sets a pleasant, yet focused atmosphere, in which each of us work out to the best of our individual abilities. Highly recommended as an important part of anyone's fitness goals, regardless of age or fitness level.
Kevin D
Great balance between strength training, stretching, endurance and martial arts skills
I’m at the stage of my fitness activities when I need cardio work. It’s easy to get lulled into thinking another swim, jog, stepper or bike will do it. But these activities allow you to slow down or cut back the duration if you’re bored.
AikiFit is a varied programme that holds my attention. It’s a good balance among strength, stretching, endurance and new skills based on the Martial Arts. I’ve worked up to keeping my heart rate up while gaining other benefits. Jesse has been very good at customizing my programme so I can work on my goals within the curriculum he has set for the larger group. I recommend Jesse and AikiFit highly.
I’m at the stage of my fitness activities when I need cardio work. It’s easy to get lulled into thinking another swim, jog, stepper or bike will do it. But these activities allow you to slow down or cut back the duration if you’re bored.
AikiFit is a varied programme that holds my attention. It’s a good balance among strength, stretching, endurance and new skills based on the Martial Arts. I’ve worked up to keeping my heart rate up while gaining other benefits. Jesse has been very good at customizing my programme so I can work on my goals within the curriculum he has set for the larger group. I recommend Jesse and AikiFit highly.
Allan B
Exercise program that keeps me coming back
AikiFit is the only exercise program that has not been boring to me -- this is my second month and I keep coming back. The place where AikiFit takes place has a very peaceful energy. The classes are well organized and our exercises are well planned; every session is interesting, different, and engaging. The instructor Jesse is super friendly and very skilled in what he does (he reminds me on a Shaolin practitioner). In addition, Jesse has an amazing sense of humour and knows how to encourage me to push myself and do more and better. The people who are attending classes are very kind and sweet. In addition to the hard work, we laugh a lot. Jonathan and I are totally hooked. Thanks Jesse!
AikiFit is the only exercise program that has not been boring to me -- this is my second month and I keep coming back. The place where AikiFit takes place has a very peaceful energy. The classes are well organized and our exercises are well planned; every session is interesting, different, and engaging. The instructor Jesse is super friendly and very skilled in what he does (he reminds me on a Shaolin practitioner). In addition, Jesse has an amazing sense of humour and knows how to encourage me to push myself and do more and better. The people who are attending classes are very kind and sweet. In addition to the hard work, we laugh a lot. Jonathan and I are totally hooked. Thanks Jesse!
Iva K
Great classes to build strength and endurance
I started going to Aikifit classes to build strength and endurance. Not only has Aikifit delivered in those two areas, but it is also a blast! The exercises at each station are fun and challenging, each class offers a full body workout. I always feel amazing by the end of the class! Jesse is a great instructor who is knowledgeable, fun and highly motivating/supportive.
I started going to Aikifit classes to build strength and endurance. Not only has Aikifit delivered in those two areas, but it is also a blast! The exercises at each station are fun and challenging, each class offers a full body workout. I always feel amazing by the end of the class! Jesse is a great instructor who is knowledgeable, fun and highly motivating/supportive.
Bryan P
Fun way to improve fitness and learn many martial arts styles
I have tried different fitness approaches and this is the first time I have had FUN while exercising. In addition to the fun factor, as a woman I have found it liberating to learn proper technique for boxing and kicking. Jesse is very knowledgeable and offers an eclectic array of fitness and martial arts styles. You don't realize how intense you're exercising as you're learning something new each time. He gauges his instruction to the level of each student while dealing with a group. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to have fun outside the box of conventional exercise, while improving their fitness level.
I have tried different fitness approaches and this is the first time I have had FUN while exercising. In addition to the fun factor, as a woman I have found it liberating to learn proper technique for boxing and kicking. Jesse is very knowledgeable and offers an eclectic array of fitness and martial arts styles. You don't realize how intense you're exercising as you're learning something new each time. He gauges his instruction to the level of each student while dealing with a group. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to have fun outside the box of conventional exercise, while improving their fitness level.
Avina S
Intense but fun way to get fit
Aikifit is an intense but fun way to get fit. I've been attending the classes regularly because each day has different exercises so it was not boring and good stress reliever. The exercises are challenging at first, and eventually, you can do it and push some more. The classes started with twice a week and after the 1st 10 sessions, I was able to lose 10 lbs (and one dress size-so I can wear some of my clothes I stopped wearing), and some people in the office (and some friends) started to notice (and this really boosts my self-confidence).
Now that there are 3 classes per week, I will be attending all classes so I can reach my next goal (of losing the next 20). Last but not least, the instructor also motivates us in a positive way, not like a mean drill sergeant you typically see in a fitness boot camp. He attends to each of his students who need help in executing the exercise or correcting the form.
Aikifit is an intense but fun way to get fit. I've been attending the classes regularly because each day has different exercises so it was not boring and good stress reliever. The exercises are challenging at first, and eventually, you can do it and push some more. The classes started with twice a week and after the 1st 10 sessions, I was able to lose 10 lbs (and one dress size-so I can wear some of my clothes I stopped wearing), and some people in the office (and some friends) started to notice (and this really boosts my self-confidence).
Now that there are 3 classes per week, I will be attending all classes so I can reach my next goal (of losing the next 20). Last but not least, the instructor also motivates us in a positive way, not like a mean drill sergeant you typically see in a fitness boot camp. He attends to each of his students who need help in executing the exercise or correcting the form.
Maria D
What I love about aikifit is that the program was designed for me personally. Jesse modified aikifit to accommodate my knee injury and my determination to tone my midriff. Jesse is a great trainer who pushes me, just enough to keep me engaged. I like that there is a circuit that is different every time, and never gets boring.
Kali H