INTRODUCTION TO KICKBOXING
Kickboxing (kikkubokus-hingu in Japanese) refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports involving kicking and punching. Since it involves muay thai, karate and western boxing, it’s considered a hybrid form of martial arts. It’s generally practiced for self-defense and fitness and it’s slowly gaining popularity as a sport. The high-intensity workout has a lot benefits and is a great calorie burner which is why more people are adopting it as their preferred fitness mantra. Over the last few years, a form of kickboxing called cardio kickboxing or aerobic kickboxing, which can be practiced alone at home, has evolved. This kickboxing workout is a good form of exercise to lose weight, tone up the body, and build muscle mass, and for general fitness. You can learn this kickboxing workout in gyms and other fitness centers. You can also buy DVDs for kickboxing workout and practice it at home.
KICKBOXING AND ITS BENEFITS
Kickboxing is one of the best cardio-respiratory workouts, improving endurance and strength. As cardio kickboxing workout is a great high impact cardiovascular workout, it helps in improving blood circulation in the body, controls high blood pressure, increases oxygen supply in the blood, and maintains a good heart rate, thus keeping the heart healthy in the long run.
“Kickboxing gives you a total body workout and improves one’s physical appearance by toning and sculpting the body,” says Shova, as she shows us some basic moves of the same. Kickboxing leaves no muscle in your body untouched. It exercises each and every muscle in the body, right from the legs, abdomen, lower body, core, upper body, shoulders and arms. It truly gives you a complete body workout while burning 350-450 calories per hour, making it a highly efficient workout in losing body fat.
Kickboxing is also considered to be a good stress buster as kicking and punching release pent-up anger and frustration. “How often do you get to pretend that you’re beating your archenemy?” asks Shova with a wink.
THE KNOW-HOW’S OF KICKBOXING
Kickboxing is very basic but it’s best to do it under an instructor’s advice to prevent injuries though you can practice it at home with some help from readily available DVDs. The first 15 minutes is the warm-up phase where your body is given a nice stretch and muscles are loosened. The next 30-45 minutes sees a rigorous drill of kicks and punches, sometimes with punching bags and jumping roles as well. The final 10 minutes consists of conditioning, usually involving abdominal workouts and cooling down, with a final stretching of muscles to prevent sores.
Beginners are advised to start slowly and work on their own pace. Start slowly, warm up your body with mild aerobics, and then slowly increase your workout intensity. It’s the instructor’s job to push you to the limit but it’s your job to listen to your body.
“Don’t push yourself too much, or you’ll strain and hurt yourself. Only do as much as you can, and work on building up your stamina and strength,” advices Shova.
Today many centers offer different level of classes, catering to people of different fitness levels.
“Make sure that you feel more energetic and ready to go after the workout. If you feel worn-out and tired after the workout, then you’re doing more than what your body can take,” adds Shova, as she readies herself for class.
THINKING OF TAKING IT UP?
It’s always wise to consult a doctor before starting any form of workout. Kickboxing isn’t advisable for people with arthritis and back and joint problems. But for others who want to lose weight or maintain a healthy way of life, kickboxing is a rejuvenating workout that’s fun and is a great way to burn excess fat without getting bored with repetitive exercises or having to buy expensive equipments. Kickboxing is a fun way to lose that extra fat and learn a useful fighting skill at the same time. Like any other workout, make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Good shoes are important as they will significantly reduce the impact on your knees and joints while kicking and jumping.
Huge number of people across the world have benefited from cardio kickboxing workouts. As a result, it’s one of the fastest growing fitness regimes in the world. You too will benefit from it. Start today. Kickbox your way to fitness!
Keep following this segment as next week, Shova will give you easy exercise tips and reveal her trade secrets of how she stays young and glowing.