Kicking and punching to get in shape

Andrew Bora has been a personal trainer for five years, and said he knew at a very early age this was the career for him. | Jackie Pilossoph~For Sun-Times Media

Updated: December 31, 2012 2:14PM

Laura Dunne recently decided to make some life altering changes.

The 46-year-old Northfield mother of four said she wanted to push herself professionally, spiritually and physically.

“I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and really make some permanent changes,” said Dunne.

Two months ago, at the recommendation of a friend, Dunne began working out twice a week at Bora Fitness, with personal trainer, Andrew Bora.

“This is old school,” said Dunne of her one hour training sessions, which include kickboxing, weight training and core work. “It’s rigorous, but it’s not boring. Do you know how good it feels to really learn how to throw a punch?”

Bora Fitness offers one hour personal training sessions for individuals or small groups of two or three. The workouts consist of a warm up, followed by 25 minutes of circuit training with weights, 25 minutes of kickboxing, and a finish with core work and stretching.

“The philosophy of the combination of weights and kickboxing creates a powerful effect on fat loss, while toning your body at the same time,” said 24 year-old Bora, who is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and who is a corrective exercise specialist.

From a very early age, Bora said he knew personal training was the career for him. A high-school wrestler, Bora lost his mother to cancer when he was only 16, and said her illness was the spark and the revelation for focusing on helping others to be healthier and more fit.

“After I lost my mother, it seemed like the natural progression to help people improve their lifestyles through combining fitness and a balanced diet,” said Bora, who has been a personal trainer for five years.

Specializing in weight loss and muscle toning, Bora’s clients are typically women aged 30-60. In addition to his workouts, Bora is constantly offering them structure and advice on diet and nutrition.

“I am always talking to my clients about what foods to avoid and why, and together we help improve their eating habits,” Bora said, “In order for them to break through to a new level of fat loss, they need to be more aware of the products they’re consuming, so I’m helping people become more educated as consumers.”

Rachel Rosenberg of Northfield has been a client of Bora’s since September, and said she has noticed significant changes in her body.

“The results are everything, mentally, physically, strength wise,” she said, “I have less stress and it’s affected everything in my life, and this is coming from someone who has worked out my whole life.”

“He can be tough and he keeps you moving,” said Dunne, “But he changes it up a lot and the time goes by really quickly.”

Bora Fitness, located in Northfield is run out of My Body, a gym open to independent trainers who lease space. The facility also offers massage, yoga and chiropractic services.

Bora charges $80 for a one-hour individual session with him, $50 per person for a two-person session and $40 per person for a three person session. The first workout is free, but Bora requires a 12 session commitment.

“I’m really passionate about helping people who are willing to go the extra mile to help themselves,” he said, “When someone starts implementing the strategies and starts making the changes, we get amazing results.”

“He listens to what your goals are and he has gotten me way beyond where I ever thought I could be,” said Rosenberg.

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