There’s a reason cardio-kickboxing is one of today’s hottest fitness trends. Kickboxers are some of the leanest, toned and most conditioned athletes in the world. Fortunately, with the emergence of cardio-kickboxing, you can skip the painful part while still getting in great shape.
“Because kickboxing employs the entire body by punching, kicking, kneeing and elbowing, the workouts are intense - in a good way - and total,” says Eric Barnes, a professional fighter and a veteran cardio kickboxing instructor of ten years.
One of the best benefits of cardio-kickboxing is that it is a continuous cardiovascular exercise. It employs the gamut of kickboxing techniques, routines and maneuvers without having to square off against an opponent. It raises the heart rate, stretches and tones the entire body and develops lean, quality muscle mass while burning a high amount of body fat.
“A quality cardio-kickboxing program helps you reap these rewards without living the lifestyle of a prizefighter, its time constraints or injuries.”
According to Barnes, it's crucial that you find an instructor you mesh with. “The only way to know if you do or do not connect with a given instructor is to try a class. If you don't feel comfortable and challenged, try some other places.”
Kickboxing is not yoga, warns Barnes. The movements are more explosive and the wear and tear on your workout clothes will be clear and present, so you’ll want to pick up some durable gym threads that will stand up to the challenge.
Barnes ends with words of wisdom that ring true for any fitness program. No matter how much you enjoy it, it’s more effective to be consistent than to do too much, too soon. “It's better to train two times a week, every week, than to join up, train six days the first week and go down in a blaze of glory [from] an easily-preventable injury. Be smart, have fun and train hard.”
