Kickboxing Basics


Need to Know

Kickboxing Martial Arts

By Kimberly Dawn Neumann

Mixing up your workout routine can help you bust through plateaus and increase weight-loss. But instead of dragging yourself to the gym for another trip on the treadmill, why not try a kickboxing class? By throwing a few jabs, cross-punches and roundhouses, you could end up torching calories, increasing coordination and toning your entire body all within one class. Get the basics on this knockout workout.

    Checklist

    • Cost: Kickboxing DVD’s range from $10-$15; classes typically range from $10-$40.
    • Time Commitment: Aim to start slow. Begin with 15-20 min. of a typical workout DVD or class 2-3 times a week and build up workout frequency and intensity.
    • Location Limitations: If doing a DVD, make sure that you’re working out on a shock-absorbent mat or surface.
    • Special Equipment Required: A good pair of cross-training shoes, special kickboxing gloves.
    • Potential Pitfalls: Avoid if you have back or joint problems.
    • Boredom Rating: This workout mixes boxing, martial arts and aerobics, leaving boredom potential very low.
    • Potential Injury Risk: It’s advised that people with back or joint problems (like arthritis) avoid this workout.
    • Level of Fitness Required: N/A.
    • Calories Burned (based on a 150 pound woman exercising at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes): Up to 125-250 calories per hour.
    • Body Parts Worked: All upper and lower body parts, including the core.
    • False Myths: N/A.

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