| Kickboxing is an exciting, high intensity workout. The | | | | kicking, punching, jumping jacks, calisthenics, pushups, |
| sport combines two different types of martial arts - | | | | ab work and shadow boxing. You should also expect |
| Tae Kwon Do and Mauy Tai with aerobics to create | | | | to do some stretching before and after your workout |
| a face paced workout with numerous benefits and | | | | to loosen and lengthen your muscles. |
| little equipment to purchase. Most gyms offer | | | | Kickboxing is such a great sport because it combines |
| kickboxing classes and there are special schools that | | | | so many areas of fitness. After a few weeks of |
| specialize in it. | | | | classes, you will begin to notice changes in the tone |
| When you begin kickboxing, you should wear loose | | | | and feel of your body. You will be breathing easier due |
| fitting, comfortable clothing that allows you the flexibility | | | | to the aerobic aspects of the sport. You will notice an |
| of movement required for the sport. You can kickbox | | | | improvement in your hand eye coordination and in your |
| barefoot or you can purchase special martial arts | | | | reaction time. What sets this apart from other |
| shoes. You can use hand wraps and gloves, but they | | | | workouts, is that you will learn some self defense |
| are not required. Most classes will supply any | | | | moves and techniques which can help protect you. As |
| equipment that you need, such as speed bags, gloves | | | | you get better at kickboxing, you can increase your |
| and jump ropes, so you wont have to worry about | | | | workout and master more difficult moves. Now is the |
| that. Before you begin, you should evaluate your | | | | time to move to a more difficult, challenging class. |
| current fitness level. If this is the first time in quite a | | | | Kickboxing is such a great sport. If you are looking for |
| while that you are participating in a sport or workout, | | | | a wonderful way to get in shape while learning moves |
| you should check with your doctor to ensure that your | | | | that could someday save your life, then this is the |
| health is good. Classes vary in difficulty and fitness | | | | perfect sport for you. Check with your local gym to |
| level, begin with an easy class so as not to get hurt or | | | | see what classes are available. You may even want |
| get discouraged by too difficult routines or moves. A | | | | to ask if you can sit in on a few to see what they are |
| class will typically begin with jumping rope for a few | | | | like and what fitness level is required. This will help you |
| minutes and then will move on to drills comprised of | | | | decide what is the best way for you to begin. |