Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Coke.
Antonio, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and moved to Oxon Hill, Maryland in 1987. Ten years later I graduated from Pratt Institute with a Masters of Science in Interior Design. For a few years thereafter I worked at the top design firms of Gensler and Rockwell Group. After joining a gym in New York, a trainer encouraged me to take a class. The rest was history. I soon went from the shy guy in the back of the class to being one teaching it. Over time I became one of the top fitness instructors in New York and Chicago. Although I was very happy with my success, I wanted something more. I wanted to help people in my own way and through my own brand. I wanted to make a bigger impact in my community. So I created Bodi Shak.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been many struggles along the way. I had to first figure out what I was even going to do. I then had to find a space. Once I had those things in order the real challenges began. Raising the funds. Developing the space. The fact that we opened our doors in the midst of a massive neighborhood rebuilding which meant interrupted access to our front door for the first two months. Low visibility due to street closures. Everything else that goes along with opening a new business. But I was prepared for all of those obstacles and even the ones yet to come. When I first started this whole thing I had a talk with myself. I told myself to completely surrender to the idea that this journey will not be easy. In fact, that this journey is NOT SUPPOSED to be easy. I’m glad I listened!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bodi Shak – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Bodi Shak offers over ten unique class formats fueled with music. Classes are designed to help increase stamina, strength, and flexibility as well as to center the mind and body. One of the classes we are most excited for is Dash. It incorporates the use of resistance bungees and Suspension cables to make for a really fun and exciting time. Bodi Shak is the first to bring it to you here in Chitown! The atmosphere is not like ANYTHING you’ve experienced in a fitness studio before. This is where my design training kicked in. We have three open lounges for you to chill in. They are fresh, comfy and playful. Our locker-rooms are basic but exquisite. The smell of our special citrus aromatherapy blend ignites you as you walk in the door. There is even a self-painted mural that reminds you of what Bodi Shak is here to help you do; FIND WHAT MOVES YOU. What our space presents is really something special. It truly is an experience. What we are most proud of, however, is our Shak Back program. Shak Back is our public charity that provides resources to three local charities. Through this program, I feel that I am really able to directly impact the Uptown Community. The current local charities that we are working with are Sarah’s Circle, TPan, and Care For Real.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have a massive support system including friends and other notables in the fitness arena. My biggest influence is Ms. Oprah Winfrey who’s guidance (yes, from her television shows) has pushed me way beyond my expectations and has allowed me to follow my passion and soar.
My dream for the future is for Bodi Shak to reach and deliver a transformative body and mind experience to as many people as the universe desires.
Pricing:
- WEEKENDER (Montly Unlimited, Fri – Sun) $65 / $60 Autopay + 3 month commitment
- COMMUTER (Monthly Unlimited, Mon – Fri classes Only) $125 / $120 Autopay + 3 month commitment
- VOYAGER (Monthly Unlimited Access) $165 / $160 Autopay + 3 month commitment
- EVOLVER (Full One Year Unlimited Access) $1795
- Day Pass – $22 (Unlimited classes for 1 day)
- 5 Class Pack – $100 (3 Month expiry)
- 10 Pack – $180 (6 months expiry)
- First Class FREE!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4704 N Broadway
- Website: www.bodishak.com
- Phone: 202.805.1236
- Email: uptown@bodishak.com
- Instagram: @bodishak
- Facebook: Bodi Shak
- Yelp: Bodi Shak
Image Credit:
J.B., Bharat Walia, Ryan Mark, Antonio Coke
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