Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Basics of Cardio Kickboxing for Beginners

By Taylor Christopher

Kickboxing is a whole body conditioning that totally kicks butt. It is workout to build your staying power, strength and flexibility while being entertained by your favorite dance music.

Does this sound good to you? Therefore, keep reading to determine what you have to know before you kick, box and jab your way into the kickboxing challenge.

What is Kickboxing?

Contemporary competitive kickboxing started in the 1970s, when American karate experts promoted competitions that allowed full-contact hitting, jabs and kicks that were banned by the karate masters.

For the health and well being of the contestants, protective apparel, padding and security regulations were introduced into the sport over the years. This brought about various styles of recreational kickboxing performed in the United States these days. The various schools of kickboxing differ among the techniques used and the number of physical touching that is allowed between the contenders.

Currently, one favorite type of kickboxing is commonly known as aerobic or cardio kickboxing. This type of kickboxing puts together components of martial arts and boxing, then added cardiovascular exercise routines to furnish overall physical conditioning and strength. As opposed to other styles of kickboxing, cardio-kick does not involve physical contact amongst the rivals. This non-contact workout is what differentiates cardiovascular kickboxing from the traditional martial arts.

Cardio kickboxing fitness programs generally start with 10-12 minutes of warm-ups, which may include stretch exercises and traditional workouts like jumping jacks and push-ups. This is superseded by a 30-minute kickboxing session. The moves cover techniques such as elbow jabs, kicks, punches and knee strikes. Some aerobics trainers would use equipment like jump ropes, push-up bars, stability balls or punching bags.

This is followed by a minimum of 5 minutes of cool down and 10 minutes of stretching and muscle toning. Stretching is certainly necessary because novices may strain their muscles. Thus, slow and proper stretches help the muscles to stretch and diminish injury.

If you are curious about checking out a cardio kickboxing routine in the privacy of your home, instructional DVD recordings are also available at your local music or video store.

Fundamentals of Kickboxing

Before you choose to enroll at a class, keep some basic guidelines in mind. These are:

* Know your current fitness level.

Kickboxing is a high-intensity, high-impact variety of workout, so it is probably not a good idea to dive in after an extended stint as a couch potato. You could try preparing yourself by taking a low-impact aerobics class or a less physical style of working out. You can then work up to a higher level of endurance. When you begin kickboxing, allow yourself to be a starter by working at your own speed. Do not drain yourself to exhaustion.

* Check it out before signing up.

Observe or try out a class in advance if your instructor will allow it to ascertain whether kickboxing is right for you. Make certain that the teacher is prepared to adjust the regime a trifle to accommodate the different skill levels of the participants. If the classes appear to move too fast, are too complex, or do not provide the chance for any 1-on-1 instruction during or after the class, you should definitely stay away from them.

* Find a certified class act.

Find an instructor who is certified by a fitness certification group such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Your starting point should befit you. You can then gradually progress to a more intense, fast-paced cardiovascular workout. Various classes require intermediate fitness levels and meet 2 to 3 times a week.

* Comfort is vital.

Wear unrestrained, relaxed workout clothes that allow your legs and arms to maneuver easily in all directions. The best footwear is cross-trainers because they allow for side-to-side cushioning. Gloves or hand wraps are from time to time used during class. You can be in a position to buy these at the gym where the classes are held. Call your instructor ahead of time and ask about dress codes and accessories that you will need so that you may be fully prepared for class.

* Start slowly and refrain from overdoing it.

The cornerstone to a good kickboxing drill is precise and controlled movements. You can cripple yourself by kicking too high or locking your legs and arms while performing the moves. You can also pull tendons and muscles and strain your ankles, joints or knees. Start with low lying kicks as you slowly learn appropriate kickboxing methods. This is very important for the beginner, who is more liable to acquire injuries while tackling rapid and intricate kickboxing movements.

* Drink plenty of liquids.

To quench your thirst and provide you with enough hydration, drink loads of liquids especially water, before, during, and after your class.

* Talk to your doctor

It is always a good idea to speak with your doctor and have a physical exam before you set about any sort of workout plan notably one with a lot of aerobic activity much like kickboxing. This is extremely crucial if you have any deep-rooted conditions such as asthma or high blood pressure or if you are extremely overweight.

Why Kickboxing?

Besides keeping your body fit, kickboxing has quite a few more advantages. You can burn approximately 350 to 450 calories in one hour with kickboxing, according to a study conducted by the ACSM.

Besides, it also reduces and relieves stress. The vigorous, controlled kicking and punching movements executed with the mastery required for martial arts discipline, can do wonders for emotions of distress and frustration. Perfecting kickboxing moves can also aid to enhance stamina, balance, agility and flexibility.

In addition, kickboxing is a great way to get a total body workout while discovering clear self-defense movements. Kickboxing fans say that the art of kickboxing assists them in feeling more empowered and confident.

So, get out there, and kickbox your way to a healthier you.

About the Author:

No comments: