Meet Nikelola Balogun of Flexy-K-Nex in View Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikelola Balogun.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Nikèlola (pronounced Knee-Kay-Low-lah) and my story is an unconventional one to say the least.  My unique journey is the result of being a competitive runner for many years which, unfortunately, resulted in the discovery of painfully arthritic hips 7 years ago due to neglect and lack of stretching throughout my training.  However the defining ‘Eureka’ moment that brought me to where I am today truly began with a world trip in 2018.  

So, there aren’t many black contortionists who are 40 years of age and former competitive runners, which is why I really appreciate my journey with the lovely art form of contortion I practice daily.  I am so fortunate to have found something I have a passion for and am even more fortunate for the many great experiences during my year long travel to several countries, experiencing sites, culture and fantastic opportunities that many could only dream of.  My world trip granted me the absolute pleasure of traveling to places like India, Germany, Australia, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Maldives, Ethiopia, Dubai, Singapore, Colombia and I’m sure to be leaving some out.  Lol.  Despite the wonders and magnificent beauty every destination offered, the one goal of finding contortion/stretching classes always occupied my thoughts.  I was obsessed, I tell ya!  

In each country the first thing I did upon arrival was research if the market for contortion/stretching even existed and if so where I could take classes.  To my surprise, the majority of these classes were located at pole studios and the remainder at cirque schools or provided by private instructors.  I had a ball with the smorgasbord of classes I was able to participate in from pole classes in Vietnam to contortion classes at a circus school in Australia.  A plethora of experiences in many different flexibility disciplines left me with so much invaluable insight.   This further fueled my desire and passion to spread my newly acquired flexibility and strength knowledge thus creating an interest and awareness in the beauty of being flexibly strong and healthy.

These days it seems that everyone is taking great lengths to become “Fit” however during that journey unfortunately flexibility and ROM (Range of Motion) are often neglected, which is just as important, if not more, as we age.  As a contortionist, I definitely defy the norm and go beyond what the average person has the ability to achieve in terms of flexibility, however as being flexibly fit is such an important factor to having a healthier existence, I’d like to be the bridge between contortion and being flexibly strong for the general public and that is how my stretch and stretch journey was born!

In addition to being a contortionist, I currently am an ISSA certified personal trainer with a speciality in corrective exercise.  I absolutely love what I do, do what I love and live that life.  I believe that ‘If you don’t use it, you loose it’, which is why I am such a huge advocate for stretching and increasing range of motion. But with that, of course, there must be a balance as with anything you do in life.  Being strong is equally important which is why my philosophy is to ‘Stretch what you Strengthen and Strengthen what you Stretch’.  With stretching, patience is key as results can take up to 3 months to be noticed, but its well worth it as the payoff will last for a life time, improving quality of life.  

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has definitely been a challenging one.  Firstly, it appears that people fear the ‘F’-word, flexibility, because the knowledge this topic is lacking.  There is especially a lot of misinformation and myths when it comes to increasing flexibility and ‘who’ can become flexible.  Stretching is beneficial for all no matter your age, gender, sport or practice.  Do get me wrong, physical limitations do exist and as with any practice, when stretching mindfulness and caution should be employed but a lot of the limitations are mental rather than physical.   Three times a week is a great start and those preexisting ideas that in order to get flexible you have to be flexible or be a yogi or be a certain age is hogwash because I was neither of those before I started and now am as bendy a Gumby!  Did I just date myself?    Covid has been an annoying thorn in my rear this year, as it has for many others, on this journey to helping others getting flexibly strong but the good thing about running into roadblocks is that detours can be taken.  All I’ve gotta say is, thank goodness for online platforms.  Zoom has been an absolutely life savor!  

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I like to motivate and inspire people to be the best version of themselves that they can be. This is why I started Flexy-K-Nex.

As a contortionist, my passion is flexibility and strength because stretching what you strengthen and strengthening what you stretch is so important and also my fitness motto.

As I mentioned earlier, I’d like to be the bridge for the everyday person to be flexibly strong, thus improving their overall physical performance and health.

With increased muscular flexibility, not only do you experience fewer injuries, less pain, improved posture and balance, greater strength, improved physical performance and a positive state of mind, it also helps keep your sprite and youthful!

My passion is achieving fitness through flexibility and active strength through calisthenics. I strongly believe that ‘A strong body and mind is all you need to get where you need to go’…

I currently have a staple power stretch class, which focuses on becoming not only fit but also flexibly strong. This 35min Full BodyPower Stretch Classes gives you a full-body workout focusing on Passive Flexibility and Active Strength for Calves, Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Hips, Deltoids, Traps Upper Back, Lower Back. I definitely am an advocate for working on flexibility strength through PNF and Static stretching as I personally use these techniques in my daily contortion practice.

When training with me, one can expect, empathy, understanding, motivation and tons of support.  I know what its like to face physical challenges and limitations especially dealing with range of motion because I suffer from arthritic hips but have made huge steps in reversing the effects from this debilitating condition because of all the hard work I put in daily stretching and strengthening.  So, you can say I am a testament to the effectiveness of flexibility and strength.

The thing that sets me apart is that I’m relatable because I have and had ailments and aches and pains that I have overcome by standing by what I preach and am a living testament that to what I do is a success. I also really do care as I try to make the workouts not only short and sweet and manageable but fun and high energy. People have enough on their plate because of what life is constantly throwing at them so why not make staying healthier worry-free by offering attainable and realistic ways to workout.

I love being flexibly strong at this age and offering ways to do so. It’s my lifestyle and am happy to be able to share my knowledge and art with others.  Oh, and remember, stretching is a marathon not a sprint!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is such a melting pot because you can do anything here and take your dreams anywhere. As someone once told me, you just need to start and that goes for anywhere you are and anything you do. I feel that people here are really open to experimenting as well which friggin’ rocks!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nikelola.com/
• Email: flexy-k-nex@nikelola.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikelolabalogun/
• Facebook: fb.me/flexiblystrong
• Other: www.linkedin.com/in/nikelolabalogun/

Image Credit:
Dan Warner, Matthew, True Naked Yoga

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