Written by: Katrina Finnigan
Finding a fun, well-rounded workout can be tough. But finding that balance between strength training and cardio is an important factor in achieving weight-loss and muscle tone – thankfully, kickboxing provides just that. Kickboxing is a full-body and high-intensity cardiovascular workout. It surprisingly takes a lot of stamina and endurance to make it through the more advanced kickboxing classes, but that shouldn’t stop the beginners – after all, we all have to start somewhere right?
Here are a few reasons you should add a kickboxing class you’re your weekly routine:
1. It’s Fun!
Kickboxing has been by far one of my favourite workouts – you not only get to feel great, but look great doing it. It is a definite confidence booster and can make even the shyest of personalities feel sexy and strong. To top it off, joining a kickboxing class is a great way to meet new friends. Classes are typically a good mix between individual training and partner work – so you not only get to work on your technique individually, but have the opportunity to mix things up and work on spotting a partner as well. If you enjoy a high energy workout, learning new moves, and getting to practice a technique –kickboxing or cardio kickboxing may just be your new favourite way to break a sweat.
2. You Learn Some Self Defence Moves
Several moves are incorporated into kickboxing classes – various punches, kicks, weight training, and conditioning exercises help not only to keep you moving but work on specific techniques. Working on the technique behind specific punches and kicks helps you to learn how to drive the most amount of force with the least amount of effort, as well as how to avoid injury. These moves can easily be taken from the punching bag to real life situations when and if they should ever arise. Learning to throw a good punch will not only keep you in shape – but can also keep you feeling confident and safe.
3. You Work Your Entire Body
Who doesn’t love a workout that not only gets your heart pumping but cuts and tones as well? Between the punching, kicking, jump rope and circuit training – Kickboxing is very much a high intensity cardiovascular workout, but also forces you to engage all the muscle groups in your body without even realizing it. By using the punching bag, kickboxing pads, or even air boxing you are working far more than just your arms and legs. The stability and power that goes into each move helps to tighten and tone your entire body but especially focuses on your waistline as each move requires a good amount of core strength. You will be sore after every class you take – but you won’t regret it once you start to see the results.
4. It’s Proven to Help You Slim Down
As mentioned above, the combination of cardio, conditioning and circuit training really requires a lot of core power and is guaranteed to give you that full body workout. The mix of strength training and cardio exercises are ideal in helping you slim down – but just how effective are kickboxing classes? Kickboxing is able to help a 125 lb person burn an average of 595 calories in just an hour of kickboxing. Similarly, a 155 lb person can burn an average of 738 calories, and an 185 lb person, up to 881 calories within the hour. All in all – this full body workout can help you to burn a ton of calories in an hour long class. Between the circuits and heart pumping music – you often won’t even notice the time fly by. When combined with a healthy diet and regular routine – kickboxing can help you transform your body and whittle your waist.
5. Its A Great Way to De-Stress
If you’ve ever had a hard day – you know how tough it can be to motivate yourself to hit the gym. Kickboxing gives you that perfect reason to channel those stressful vibes and punch it out – literally. Who doesn’t feel better after throwing a few good punches? Kickboxing classes give you a great workout but a great outlet to channel stress and relax. Not only will you feel energized, but you are sure to feel strong and refreshed as well.
If you’re looking to feel great, get toned, and mix up your cardio routine check out the martial arts and kickboxing classes offered through Carleton Athletics!
