Revgear free standing heavy bags, like the ones we use in my class. Oh, I wish that I could kick so high, even when healthy. From revgear.com
Those who know me well are probably surprised that it’s taken me so long to post about kickboxing, a workout that I adore. I’ve waited, partly because I didn’t want this to be the Running and Kickboxing blog, and partly because in my experience, there can be tremendous variation in class style based on the instructor’s personality.
It’s my understanding that at some gyms, the classes involve no bags or gloves, using only air punches and kicks choreographed to an aerobic-throbbing beat. At my kickboxing studio, the music is the same, but every class involves bag work. The class that works best with my schedule is choreographed in time to the music, but involves rhythmic and repeated jabs, hooks, uppercuts and kicks to a defenseless bag. Another instructor’s class is less choreographed and involves more precise movements: kicking and punching with self-defense quality.
I would advise against kickboxing if you’re not in very good cardiovascular shape. The workout (in my case) is a solid 60 minutes of nonstop action, including hundreds of jumping jacks, push-ups and triceps dips filling the transitions between bag work.
The first time I did it, I was completely confused by the patterns and movements, and absolutely convinced that I was going to collapse. (I didn’t.) I hurt in places where I didn’t even know I had muscles, and I wondered why on earth I’d gone to such a hard class. Then I remembered that I felt the same way after my first Pilates session, and somewhat begrudgingly limped back to class two days later.
By the end of the third week, I was holding my own with the regulars cardio-wise, in spite of my rhythmic deficiencies. Half a year later, I carry my gloves in my car and get cranky when I have to miss a class because of travel or meetings. And it’s still challenging.
Now, the two biggest questions that I’m usually asked:
1. Can I kick your ass? No, not unless the beating is choreographed to a throbbing dance beat. I’d do a wonderful job if challenged to a modern West Side Story battle.
2. Should you try it? If you’re looking for a full body, intense cardio workout, then yes. But I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not for everyone. I would also strongly recommend that with this level of intensity, you should check with your doctor before starting.
Tags: cardio kick, cardio kickboxing, century gloves, Jue's Taekwon-Do, kickboxing, revgear bag
Cooking
Fitness
Health