What Is Cardio Kickboxing?
If you are looking for a high-energy, calorie-torching, cardio workout—look no further! Cardio kickboxing is an exciting group fitness class that engages multiple muscle groups and will be sure to leave you feeling stronger than ever before. Simply put, it is a kickboxing workout combined with a cardio pace. But let’s get into the specifics of cardio kickboxing and its benefits.
What Is Kickboxing?
Kickboxing became popular in the 1970s when the Professional Karate Association included it in the World Championships. Since then, it has informed new martial arts practices like MMA and other wrestling techniques.
What Is Cardio Kickboxing?
But, cardio kickboxing is a physical activity exercise that combines kickboxing movements, in a fast-paced manner, usually accompanied by high-tempo music. In a cardio kickboxing class, you will learn proper form for the famous jab, hooks, crosses, uppercuts, back kicks, front kicks, and the like—all engaging both your lower and upper body. You will even learn how to mash two or three of those exercises together to up the intensity into a kickboxing training combo that will get your heart rate way, way up! In some classes, instructors will bring boxing pads or gloves, so that you can land your punches and kicks on something soft, and benefit from the extra tension in the pads.
What Happens In Class?
Each class—while different based on the instructor—offers a few key elements. A warm-up, usually filled with some type of dynamic stretching (or workout) to get you ready for the moves ahead, a full-body kickboxing routine, and a cool down with either dynamic or static stretching will all be included. Because of the class format, you can expect your heart rate to go up, sweat to pour, and to torch more than 300 calories in a class.
Where Should I Practice Cardio Kickboxing?
This workout format exists in classrooms at Chuze Fitness and many other gyms around the world. It is important to learn each punch, kick, and twist with a certified instructor, so that you do not throw out a muscle, or get injured. We recommend learning cardio kickboxing in a group exercise class. But, one of the significant benefits of cardio kickboxing is that, because it is a bodyweight workout, you can practice your jabs and kicks anywhere. This is the perfect class to jump in on if you travel for work, or prefer to work out a few days a week at home, to give yourself some new cardio to try and add new exercises to your memory bank.
Who Should Try Cardio Kickboxing?
If you’ve been bored to tears lately, cardio kickboxing classes may be perfect for you! We know that running on the treadmill or hiking up the StairMaster three times a week for cardio can get boring. This high energy workout will help you get in shape and build strength by adding a new set of athletic drills to your workout routine. While we don’t think that throwing those incredible exercises out of your workout routine is the answer, adding new and exciting cardiovascular activities into your routine will add a little variety and help aid in your overall cardiovascular health. Cardio kickboxing is a great workout that may even make you faster the next time you lace up your tennies on the treadmill.
What Should I Bring To Class?
When we think kickboxing an image of gloves, and wraps, and boots come into mind. But, in a cardio kickboxing class, you need to bring yourself, your water (lots of water), a towel, and comfortable clothes that you can jump, punch, kick, and move freely in. If there is other equipment needed in a cardio kickboxing workout class, like pads or gloves, your instructor should make those available for you.
Any Other Tips For Cardio Kickboxing?
The most important tip when starting a cardio kickboxing program is to have confidence in yourself. It can be easy to get into our heads and talk ourselves out of trying a new exercise. After all, the guy in the front row seems to know the moves before the instructor even calls them out, and this other kickboxer in the corner brings their personalized gear and may even already know some martial arts techniques. But, it is important to remember that your journey is your own and that proper technique comes with practice. Every single person in the class—even the kickboxing instructor—has started from the beginning. You will catch onto the moves quicker than you think, and hey even if you don’t, you will have a blast trying to learn while getting an amazing entire body aerobic exercise. So, don’t let yourself get in the way of a new and exciting workout. Our instructors are there to cheer you on, give you tips, and help you modify your workout to fit your exact needs.
If you would like to try a Cardio Kickboxing group exercise class, check out the class schedule at a Chuze Fitness location near you. We cannot wait to show you this incredible format and get to know more about your health journey. We offer group exercise classes at all of our locations. Stop on in, take a tour, and see if this is the right gym for you—we think it just might be.