Gauntlet Fitness

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Gauntlet Fitness is the first workout facility of its kind in Birmingham.

Aaron Crocker and David Shernan started with a simple idea — create a fun venue to improve fitness with an emphasis on kickboxing.

The result is a 16-stage circular kickboxing station that guarantees clients never have the same workout twice. They named it the “Gauntlet.”

Bolted into the ground, the Gauntlet’s design is meant to perfect each kickboxing move without having to attack another person.

“Our strike pads don’t move and are positioned for any kind of attack,” Shernan said. “Most punching bags aren’t the best tools for using your entire body as a weapon. Our custom-designed strike pads don’t swing away when they are hit and are perfect for the training routines our clients learn.”

Shernan is Gauntlet Fitness’ martial arts specialist. He has trained and taught martial arts since he was stationed in Korea with the U.S. Military.

“Our training isn’t meant for Mixed Martial Arts, we are a fitness facility. That doesn’t mean kickboxing won’t get you out of a bad situation in your life,” he said.

In Korea, Shernan was approached by two men who had been drinking. One was carrying a knife. The knife carrier attempted to cut Shernan, but his training kicked in and he immediately knocked the man off his feet and escaped from danger.

Crocker not only finds kickboxing as a useful skill, but also an excellent way to lose weight and stay in shape.

In preparation for his gym’s grand opening in January, Shernan and Crocker spent months perfecting workouts from Crocker’s garage. He invited a few people to test out his workouts to see if he was heading in the right direction.

One of those trainees is April Shaling. She and Crocker met at a yogurt restaurant, and Crocker convinced her to test out the workouts he had prepared.

Shaling, a six-time state champion in track and cross country in high school, said Gauntlet Fitness has gotten her in the best shape of her life.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I was confident going in knowing my background in training for track,” Shaling said. “The first time I tried the Gauntlet, I was sweating more than I had in my life. Now I love it so much they have to tell me not to come in when I’m sick.”

Crocker said one of the best things about his workouts is anyone from any background can start from scratch. Kickboxing requires no prior knowledge of martial arts, he said.

New clients to Gauntlet Fitness are put through the “Gauntlet Fundamentals” training program. The program teaches the correct techniques and forms to use for the Gauntlet and gradually increases intensity until the client is ready to move on to the full workout.

Gauntlet Fitness is unique to any workout lover or simply someone who is looking to get fit. Crocker said 30 days at Gauntlet Fitness can and have been a life-changer for people with ranging fitness goals.

“Our clients learn something new each workout and have a renewed, refreshed quality of life,” Crocker said. “Here you’ll find the best full-body workout around and a team that you can feed off of.”