Zennie Reynolds
Zennie Reynolds doesn’t let the weather keep him from using active transportation to get to work, the store, or downtown for a Salsa dance. Reynolds doesn’t own a car, so it’s his bike or his own two feet.
Reynolds, once a Kickboxing World Champion, owns his own studio, Zen’s Gym, on east Broadway. He teaches boxing, kickboxing, self-defense, and works as a personal trainer. He also teaches salsa dancing and on Wednesday nights you can check out his moves at The Underground. “I love dancing,” said Reynolds. “It’s my favorite thing to do. It is also a great workout.”
Reynolds lives near the Columbia Library and it is obvious that he embraces the urban lifestyle he has made for himself. He smiles and waves at the kids he sees, chats with people walking by, and gives a familiar nod at the coffee shop barista. “I’ve lived in big cities, small cities, and they’re all just places. It’s the people I like.” With everything he needs so close, Reynolds sees no need for a car. “On a bike, you get where you want to go quickly. It’s amazing how fast you can get there.”
When bad weather hits he doesn’t have the option of jumping in the car. “I ride when it is cold, I ride when it rains,” he said. “There is one thing I don’t do and that is ice. That’s dangerous.” On the rare day that there is ice on the streets, Reynolds walks.
As part of his prescribed training regimen, Reynolds encourages his students to ride a bike. “Biking is great exercise. It keeps you in shape without you even knowing it. So many people say going to the gym is boring, but bike riding is fun. It really keeps me in shape.”
His advice for those who want to get healthy is to get on a bike. “People need to ride more. It would help with all of the problems people have with obesity and being healthy.”
To find out more about Zen’s Gym call 573-999-3986 and speak to Zennie.
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