CARDIO KICKBOXING? KARATE WORLD’S GOT YOUR BACK!
Since becoming all the rage in Hollywood, at gyms or “kickboxing” franchises around the country, lots of people have questions about this workout. Here, Karate World gives you some of the answers. Cardio or fitness kickboxing is basically an aerobic exercise. Everyone lines up facing the mirror and the instructor leads the class through kicks and punches like; hook, cross jab, upper cut, front, side, and roundhouse kicks as well as traditional aerobic moves. The punches are thrown into the air, similar to shadow boxing, not at a punching bag to the beat of loud, fast paced music. It’s not a martial art or self defense regimen, it’s more of an exercise program, but since it does use some of the moves of karate and Thai kickboxing, a professional martial arts instructor or an instructor with a martial arts background can teach you the proper forms to increase the effectiveness and safety of your workout.
What Can It Do For You?
It seems like every new exercise trend today is called “a full-body workout,” but cardio classes can come pretty close. If you do the punches with the right form and power and if combined with the use of free weights, you’ll strengthen your upper body and begin to see more muscle definition. The kicks will strengthen your legs, and firm your abdominal muscles; in fact all of the moves, when done correctly, will make your core a solid base that helps you do everyday things more easily, whether you’re lifting a toddler, heavy grocery bags or lugging loaded laundry baskets up and down the stairs.
It’s also good for strengthening the cardiovascular system and getting rid of excess body fat. Cardio kickboxing is a good choice if you’re looking to burn calories, (about 350 to 450 per hour or more depending on how much energy you put into your workout) for weight loss, or to improve stamina and heart health. People who become really bored with mindlessly plodding along on treadmills and stair steppers will enjoy the fast pace and new movements in a cardio kickboxing class. And you don’t need any martial arts or boxing experience or special equipment to take a cardio kickboxing class. Even if you feel a little clumsy or slow in the beginning, by the third or fourth class you’ll notice the progress you’re making, punching and kicking your invisible enemies like a pro.
What About Self Defense?
It’s important to remember that cardio kickboxing has no practical self defense training. If that’s what you’re looking for, check out Thai Kickboxing because you’ll actually be punching and kicking a heavy bag with all of your strength, which brings in resistance that helps you build powerful muscles and it burns lots more calories. This training CAN serve you well if self defense ever becomes necessary. Cardio or fitness kickboxing is a fast moving, calorie burning, heart healthy aerobic exercise. It’s not a boring dance class, an impersonal gym session or a fight club. It’s a FUN, friendly, effective workout that can improve your physical appearance, energy level, confidence, and even help you get better quality sleep!
Karate World’s Cardio Kickboxing training classes are always a welcoming place for beginners as well as veterans of cardio programs. If you’re a beginner, your instructor won’t expect you to perform every move perfectly. You’ll get the attention and help you need to be sure your form is correct so all of the moves, punches and kicks will deliver maximum results. So if you’re interested in aerobic exercise with the benefits of kickboxing, come to Karate World. See the difference in a martial arts setting and atmosphere compared to the franchise and gym locations. It’s a whole new experience for the body AND the mind!