Nonahood News Goes Toe to Toe With the Cortes Brothers
In a quiet industrial building off Narcoossee Road, the sound of leather hitting pads resonates rhythmically. Filled with men and women of all ages and sizes, Lake Nona Boxing & Fitness clearly knows the secret to keeping its members in shape and motivated.
Opened in 2016, the gym was inspired by John Cortes’ boxing career and his beloved trainer, 1979 New York Golden Gloves champion Felix Colon. After Coach Felix’s death, John’s identical twin Chris joined the management team and incorporated his own fitness program, BoxFit.
Boxing for everyone. BoxFit is a 50-minute guided, no-contact boxing class incorporating boxing technique, shadowboxing, heavy bag work and 1-on-1 mitt work, as well as strength and conditioning. A great way to learn a new skill, have fun and get in boxing shape, typical results are close to 1,000 calories burned per class. As with all fitness regimens, the first class is complimentary to make sure the program is an appropriate fit for the client. A full-service fitness program, Chris and morning instructor Flex also provide nutritional guidance and gauge progress with measurements, progress photos … not just the scale. Boxing is an entire body workout, from your legs, buttocks, and core to shoulders and arms. The goal at Lake Nona Boxing is to train you into the boxer physique we all strive for.
In addition to BoxFit, the gym offers personal training, no-contact boxing, open gym hours, and children’s classes (6 years and older). Trainers work closely with each member to ensure that each person is maximizing their time at the gym. Competitions between the classes with monthly promotional prizes also help motivate members to stay committed.
Champions in our midst. Owner John Cortes is currently 8-0 and the reigning Kissimmee Super Belt Tournament 3-belt welterweight champion with plans to go professional this year. John’s head trainer and coach, Freddy Vega, is a retired professional boxer and Florida Golden Gloves champion who works with the high-ranking amateur team and focuses on professional fighters. Lake Nona High School student Josiah won his first tournament last year and will be fighting in Fort Myers this January along with two other boxers.
Come for a free workout. The Nona boxing team of Coach Joseph Mateo and Trainer Chris Cortes are ready to work you out! A family of fighters, the secret to their success is the motivating attitude and community that helps each perform at their peak. With several membership types, there is something that fits everyone’s budget.
– Unlimited adult memberships are $75 a month.
– Kids 6-18 unlimited is $65 a month.
– 3 Class/week is $60 a month.
– To introduce its new early hours and BoxFit classes, Lake Nona Boxing is offering a free trial week.
