Why kick boxing? Isn’t that a sport where people beat each other up? Well, yes – but in fitness, kick boxing has become the all the rage. It’s a great way to build your flexibility, increase your stamina and strength train while at the same time enjoying your favorite dance music.
The origins of kick boxing date back more than 2,000 years, but it’s only become the competitive sport in the United States in the last thirty years. Cardio kick boxing has become incredibly popular just this century with the advent of cardio kick boxing classes at gyms, YMCAs and more. The intent of cardio kick boxing is about building your fitness without physical contact with others.
Cardio kick boxing is not about fighting at all. You are not targeting anyone, trying to kick anyone or hurting anyone. Instead, you are using kick boxing moves set to music and done at some speed. You may even find that instructors combine equipment into their kick boxing regimen. Typical equipment may include a punching bag or jump rope.
A basic class will involve ten minutes of warm up. Warm ups to a kick boxing class are often push-ups, jumping jacks and the more traditional stretching routines to warm up your muscles. A kick boxing class will utilize kicks, knee strikes and air punches all done in time to the music.
Kick boxing is a high impact, high intensity form of exercise. It is not designed for novices, though there are introduction to kick boxing classes offered at some gyms. You definitely want to check with your doctor before beginning any new fitness regimen. Kick boxing also requires a lot of endurance and you’ll find 30 minutes of kick boxing will leave you hot, sweaty and feeling like a limp dishrag – but you will get stronger, leaner and in many ways more fit.
If you’ve never experienced a kick boxing class, I’d advise observing one before diving in head first. You’ll also want to talk to the instructor about a lower intensity beginner’s class – they may be able to give you the best advice on how to pick out the right aerobic class for you – whether it’s kick boxing or not.