Hi everyone! My name is Niky, and I’ve been an instructor for BODYCOMBAT, LM SHAPES, and kids’ classes at NEONKA since 2024.

Where did it all begin?

After finishing school, I worked in a call center for an insurance company and later in a bank. Both were sedentary jobs, and that’s where I first felt the urgent need to move. Sports weren’t foreign to me—I used to dance, tried karate, and explored other sports. My body knew that movement brought me joy. I started looking for something new, something unknown, and preferably close to my apartment. All it took was typing "exercise Železníky" into Google, and Neonka popped up! :)

Your "First Time" at Neonka

A free first workout, and I went straight for Bodycombat. I won’t lie—I was terrified of that first session and even just stepping into the gym. My head was full of the usual questions: "Going alone? I won’t know anyone there. What if I fall? What if...?"

The session was led by Vratko, and I had no clue who he was back then :). But the reception staff showed me everything, and I was immediately surprised that everyone was on a first-name basis and smiling. I was that "typical" client who hid in the very back corner of the hall. Then Bodycombat started, and I had no idea what was happening: euphoria, shouting, laughter, energy, power... it was incredible.

Even now, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. After the workout, I had to stay in the locker room for half an hour because I couldn't catch my breath—I actually thought I might need an ambulance :). But at the same time, it was a rush of emotions telling me: I want to experience this a million more times!

Working out at home?

In 2019, I became pregnant and stopped exercising. The orders were clear: bed rest and quiet mode. I longed to go to Neonka, but staying home was my priority and, honestly, more comfortable.

And then, like a bolt from the blue, came RESTARTBODY—an online weight-loss program with Ivanka and Vratko! Starting in January 2021, it was exactly what I needed. 30 minutes a day, in the morning while the baby was still asleep. Both cardio and strength. After the first month, the first centimeters and kilograms were gone, and I started feeling better, more feminine, lighter, and more energetic again. I followed Restartbody for three months, and each month brought progress. I felt I was on the right path.

To compare the numbers: my starting weight was 81 kg, and now it’s 62 kg. How do I feel? Better, healthier, full of energy, and full of positive experiences and emotions.

The Road to the Stage

The year 2023/2024 was a turning point in my career. After several years, I realized that the job I was doing—the one I actually studied for—wasn't for me at all. It was draining me; I was burnt out. Around that time, I saw that Neonka was looking for new instructors. I sat there and thought about it. Then the idea clicked:

"Nika, you have nothing to lose. Only to gain. You’ve always wanted to do something active, to work with movement, people, or children—why not this?"

I drafted the email 5 or 6 times and spent two hours debating whether to hit send. The stress was huge, but I told myself I’d been on stage many times before. I knew that if I stayed true to myself and showed what’s in me, it would turn out well—even if I didn't get it. It was strange performing the choreography, hearing my own voice through a microphone, talking and exercising at the same time. After I finished, I anxiously watched Ivanka to see her reaction.

And then it happened. When Ivanka shook my hand and said, "Welcome to the NEONKA team," I can’t even put into words how emotional that was for me. It’s a moment that still gives me chills.

Final words?

A lot has changed, but the most important change must first happen within ourselves. That’s the hardest part. Above all, let’s not look at or compare ourselves to others. Every one of us is different; every one of us is unique. You just need to step out of your comfort zone—it’s a small step for mankind, but a giant leap for you! :)

Niky