From inside their modest storefront at Legacy Drive and Independence Parkway, 9 Round Kickboxing owners Steve and Zoila Krusemark provide continuous 30-minute workout sessions.

With a steady supply of energizing tunes, the gym is designed to attract anyone looking to get fit without getting bored. Members have no class schedule to adhere to and can walk in anytime during the gym’s business hours. The circuits are always open and are led by a staff of experienced trainers, Steve Krusemark said.

At least one trainer is on the floor at all times to assist the group as members rotate throughout the circuit, Krusemark said.

The fitness model, which is a departure from the traditional one-on-one personal training experience in favor of a group activity, helps create a more positive and dynamic environment for his customers, he said.

“What I expect from my trainers is [for them to] invest time with [each member] and try to understand what’s important to them and what they are trying to achieve,” Krusemark said. “Trainers are included; it’s their job to listen and learn so they can provide the motivation.”

Trainer Barb O’Connell has worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. Her background in personal training complements her fellow 9 Round trainers, whose backgrounds are typically in mixed martial arts and boxing.

“I’m a stickler on form and making sure people do things right,” she said.

While 9 Round circuit training does incorporate a lot of boxing and mixed martial art moves, its overall purpose is to help members achieve their overall fitness goals, not become expert professionals, O’Connell said.

“We do so many things—we’re up and down off the ground, we’re twisting, we’re pushing, we’re pulling. You’re using your body in every way; it’s very functional,” she said.

While some might consider the gym space close quarters, the smaller space lends to the camaraderie that is developed between members and their trainers, O’Connell said. Members also rely on each other for support and encouragement, particularly when someone is just starting out, she said.

“It’s so much fun to watch them go from not doing anything to just doing amazing things. It’s really a great confidence builder,” O’Connell said.

Plano resident Leslie Hemby celebrated her one-year anniversary as a 9 Round member in November. She said the ability to get a 30- or 60-minute workout in as it fits her schedule is the gym’s biggest bonus. After a year, Hemby said she is in the best shape of her life.

“What got me in was [the fact that] I like a smaller setting,” she said. “The atmosphere is amazing and it brings you in every day. The trainers can totally adapt [the workout] for you, it doesn’t matter what level you’re at. I’m just a whole different person than I was a year ago.”

Fellow 9 Round member Robert Enriquez was diagnosed with hypertension in his early 30s and said he has noticed tremendous improvements to his overall health thanks to the gym’s program.

“I knew I had to do more than just home video [workouts],” Enriquez said. “I want to make sure I can handle my blood pressure without having to get back on my medications.”

Krusemark said people are motivated to take control of their lives.

“Whether they’re overweight or not fit or on medication, they come in here with a desire to go in there and bring about change in their life,” he said.

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3020 Legacy Drive, Ste. 110
972-618-7089

www.9round.com/fitness/plano-tx

Hours: Mon.-Thu. 6 a.m.-1 p.m., 3:30-8 p.m.; Fri. 6 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 3:30-7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-noon