Mark and Allie Barker, owners of Raw Kick Boxing and Fitness in Coral Springs. {David Volz}
Raw Kickboxing and Fitness held a grand reopening celebration on October 26 where trainers led fitness classes, and guests could learn about the services offered.
Allie and Mark Barker have operated their gym for nearly 13 years and decided to celebrate their accomplishments.
According to Mark, they have created an environment where people can pursue their fitness goals through kickboxing, boxing, weightlifting, and other exercise programs. The gym offers classes and individual sessions to people of all fitness levels.
Mark said Raw Kickboxing has overcome various challenges and emerged stronger. A fire in 2020 caused smoke damage. The gym survived and recently expanded from 3,600 square feet to 4,800 square feet.
According to Allie, classes are available to children aged 12 to 15 and adults aged 16 and up. Individual training sessions are also available. The kickboxing and boxing classes involve hitting bags rather than sparring with another person.
In addition to fitness programs, Raw Kickboxing offers fitness to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The Barkers became interested after meeting Dr. Steve Cassel, who has Parkinson’s, and, with his wife, Judy, created the Dr. Cassel Parkinson’s Foundation.
They also became involved in Rock Steady Boxing, an organization that offers fitness training to people with Parkinson’s.
The Coral Springs Charter Middle School Student Government Association participated in the grand reopening by selling pumpkins to raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation. According to Jessica Boujaoude, who advises the SGA, the students want to offer support for the foundation.
Allie has spent most of her life helping others. A former elementary school teacher who taught at Riverside Elementary School for 23 years and retired in 2021, she wanted to devote more time to pursuing her dream of running a gym.
“I had a good career in teaching and chose to focus on helping people achieve their fitness goals,” she said.
Raw Kickboxing is at 1322 North University Drive. It is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
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