With summer just around the corner, the push to get in shape is apparent – look at all the runners occupying Pier A and River Walk! Perhaps the weather has inspired you to renew your fitness goals.

But as you look again, maybe have a look in the mirror.  Are you beach body ready? Are you looking for something that will jump start your routine?

Two hMAG readers have taken the challenge and are embarking on a 12-week fitness journey, courtesy of two local gyms in town. Natalie Janecek has begun the Koko FitClub’s program and David Lopez has started at LA Boxing.

DO YOU KOKO?

Natalie Janecek wants what every woman wants – to feel fit and comfortable in her own body. Natalie has tried various fitness regimes before, but none have really been a good fit for her busy lifestyle. The 22 year-old works two jobs and also has a large group of friends.

Natalie wants something that will give her results and the right kind of guidance so she can make choices that will have a lasting effect on her body and her health.

At Koko FitClub, Natalie was introduced to staff member David who was on site to take her measurements so they can chart her progress. Natalie currently has a body fat percentage of about 40 percent. For her age group, she should be in a target range of 24 to 30 percent. While she was put on a Diet Booster Track, the focus is really on replacing fat with muscle – not on the number on the scale.

She is only a week into the program, but she already feels like a regular member of the gym.

“I really like it,” said Natalie. “It’s a great way to get in shape. I think it is the best electronic trainer there will ever be.”

She says the staff has been really friendly and helpful in guiding her when she has questions.

“No one judges,” she said. “Everyone comes in, does their stuff and goes out.”

Michael Ander, owner of the Koko FitClub in Hoboken, monitored Natalie’s strength test. He says that believes her strength will greatly improve.

“She has a fantastic outlook,” said Ander. She is the perfect Koko customer. She needs only a little bit of coaching and guidance. She is going to do well.”

LA BOXING

David Lopez got an eye opener when he walked into LA Boxing. It’s hard to miss the large boxing ring in the center of the room. On the day he is introduced to staff members, we watched a personal training session going on in the ring.

“My goal is to ultimately lose weight, but after looking, I’m really excited to learn how to box,” said David.

David is motivated to improve his health, mental clarity, self-confidence, and physical appeal. And he clearly has the determination to do so. While he was in college, he gained upwards of 100 pounds. After he graduated in 2008, he worked to get the weight off through a combination of weight training and cardio. Working hard, he lost 75 pounds. But he feels like he has hit a plateau with the last 25 pounds.

Behind the scenes, I spoke with Sonny, manager of the gym, and Marco, one of the club’s owners. They assure me that they are going to whip David into shape! They say the combination of cardio and strength training will help him shed weight and maybe even give him a washboard stomach! But David will also need to watch his diet.

“Most of the time, I watch what I eat,” said David.

While David has no experience in either boxing or kickboxing, he is confident that he can learn it:

“I have pretty good hand-eye coordination. It’s three months. I’m going to learn it,” he said.

Follow along online for updates on David and Natalie! Photos by Krista Kelly.