Getting your “sweat on” at 9Round

Fall River couple bring 9Round franchise to Fall River Shopping Centre;

MP Darrell Samson’s smile says it all—he’s happy to have made it to the end of his demonstration as sweat drips of him from the 30-minute workout he just went through. 9Round is now open at the Fall River Plaza. (Healey photo)

FALL RIVER: The newest business to the Fall River community will give you a unique fitness experience, despite the moniker that makes it seem like it’s all about kickboxing.

9 Round is more than just kickboxing as Liberal MP Darrell Samson discovered during a 30-minute circuit-based workout at a visit as part of a tour of small businesses in Fall River on Aug. 27 in his federal riding of Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook.

“When you’re hitting a bag you’re using long muscle contractions which is ripping the muscle fibers, versus isolated lifting weights where you’re just working one group,” said Mike Cadden, who along with wife Krysta own the locations on Lacewood Drive and Fall River.

9Round owner Mike Cadden assists MP Darrell Samson with one of the rounds. Samson was visiting the new business as part of a tour to small businesses in the riding. 9Round is now open in Fall River. (Healey photo)

Cadden said at 9Round you get a full-body workout that’s fast, effective and fun, plus there are personal trainers to help you and expert nutritional guidance. 9Round was founded 10 years ago by Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson, a two-time world kickboxing champion, in Greenville, SC. There are now more than 700 locations worldwide, and the company continues to grow.

Samson starts by getting his hands wrapped up by Cadden before he starts at jumping ropes, before continuing on through the other eight remaining stations getting a workout.

Liberal MP Darrell Samson gives a heavy punch to the boxing bag at 9Round’s new soon-to-open location at the Fall River Shopping Centre. (Healey photo)

It left the Liberal MP for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook sweating more than the proposed small business tax changes his government proposed. He enjoyed his short visit to the business, which is a new member of the Fall River and Area Business Association (FRABA). Mike and Krysta both moved to the Fall River area over a year ago.

There’s even a buzzer system that buzzes every two-and-half minutes letting those at the station know they have 30 seconds remaining before it’s time to move on to the next station.

Cadden said the demographics at the couple’s first outlet, on Lacewood Drive, show that 70 per cent of the clientele are women.

“We’re trying to increase the male side because typically males think that circuit-based is not for them,” he said. “We’ve had men sitting down after station four and five gasping for their breath as they need a break.”

In the last 30 seconds of each station, Cadden said, they want their clients to push extra hard.

“It’s like kickboxing, we want you to win the round,” he said. “You always go out with fists of fury and win that round in that last 30 seconds.”

MP Darrell Samson gets wrapped up before trying out 9Round at the Fall River Plaza. (Healey photo)

Krysta said a trainer is there to help you out—and the workout at each round changes every single day. Cadden demonstrated one of the stations for Samson, kicking a pad that Krysta held up.

Samson tried his hand at making some boxing punches, and he was getting a rhythm just as it was time to move on to the next round and station. He said he could feel the muscles reacting as he punched the boxing bag, which was very tough as they were new. Samson’s punches were just helping to break it in.

Plus there are plenty of benefits to give it a try—you do it on your time:

  • Show up at your convenience; there are no class times
  • You’re welcomed by a friendly, qualified trainer
  • Trainer wraps your hands for support when punching
  • Use heart rate training to stay in your target fat burning zone
  • Trainer shows you how to do each exercise based on your fitness level
  • Every three minutes, you move to the next exercise station
  • After station nine, your 30-minute full-body workout is over

9Round is open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday’s 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. only.