What The Sport Of Kickboxing Is All About

Kickboxing is a modern martial art that combines the powerful kicks of Taekwondo and Muay Thai with the basic techniques and hand movements of boxing. It is a rigorous, total body workout comprised of controlled kicking, punching and jabbing movements carried out to the accompaniment of lively music. Kickboxing helps enhance strength, stamina, coordination and flexibility and helps lower anger, stress and frustration.

What Kickboxing Classes are Like

Though kickboxing classes vary depending on the gym as well as the instructor, most kickboxing classes start with 2-3 rounds of jumping rope to warm up and end with a series of stretches to cool down. Whereas in some classes instructors use a variety of props including speed bags, gloves and jump ropes, in other classes most props are simulated.

The biggest difference between kickboxing classes and aerobic classes is that there are no intricate routines or complicated choreography to grasp and commit to memory. Before taking up kickboxing it is a good idea to prepare yourself by taking up a less strenuous, low-impact form of exercise and working up to a higher endurance level.

Sign up for an appropriate class - Observe a few classes and see which one suits you in terms of skill level. If possible, give preference to a class that provides individual instruction after class if necessary.

The key to doing it right in kickboxing is to start with low kicks and only advance to a higher level when you have learned the proper technique. Wear appropriate clothing - Loose, comfortable clothing that offer maximum mobility in all directions are ideal for kickboxing. The best shoes are cross-trainers as they allow optimum side-to-side movement.

A.   Guidelines Of Kickboxing

Now, many training centers offer the kickboxing classes, which attract more and more people. Kickboxing has recently surged in popularity and many people sign up for a class. There are quite a different variety of styles of kickboxing classes offered. Sit in and observe a class at your chosen training facility before you sign up. You should try to start at a level that suits you and slowly progress to a more intense, fast-paced kickboxing class. Many classes call for intermediate levels of fitness and meet two to three times a week.

Kickboxing requires high-intensity, so you would better not plunge in after a long stint as a couch potato. You should know well your current fitness level and prepare yourself by first taking a low-impact aerobics course and working up to a higher level of endurance. When you begin kickboxing, you should practice at your own pace and not overexerting yourself. You are more prone to developing injuries if attempting quick, complicated kickboxing moves.

B.   Kick Higher And Better Than All The Other Women In Your Kickboxing Class

My answer starts with one word… flexibility. Being able to extend your leg up to a powerful kick actually comes from the hip joint. To get results I suggest some simple stretching and some active stretching for every day. Some basic static stretching (stretching in which you hold a position for 20 seconds) includes:

1. Butterfly: sit on floor with the soles of feet touching and heels being brought into the body.

2. Lunge: Get into a lunge position with the back knee completely on the floor, slowly lean the body forward till you feel a nice stretch and hold.

3. Ballet squat: Think squat but open legs a bit wider than shoulder width and toes pointed out, try forming a line that can run from toe to toe. Lower as far as possible to get stretch and hold.

Some Active stretching:

1. Walking deep lunges- do two sets of 10 lunges to get the muscles loose and ready for kicks

2, Leg walk- if you are able to this is a great stretch. Stand facing a wall, place 1 leg on wall (with straight legs) and slowly try to slide your leg up the wall as if you were doing a split against it.

Leave a Reply