Bored with the treadmill? Sick of dumbbells? If you’re looking for something to change up your routine, consider kickboxing. While you might think that kickboxing is violent, the actual movements and training can make for excellent exercise without having to actually fight. "[It’s] full-body conditioning and, in my opinion, the best and most complete there is," says Guillermo Gomez, star of the Kickboxing Cardio BurnDVD and creator of the Martial Fusiontraining system. If you’re interested in giving kickboxing a try, read our know-before-you-go tips.
Don’t Think of It as Fighting
You can get into kickboxing to spar against others if you want, but don’t assume you have to fight to take up the sport. “You can go either way. Learn the moves and use them as an exercise routine for fitness, or take it to the next level of sparring with another person. It’s really up to you,” Gomez says.
You can get into kickboxing to spar against others if you want, but don’t assume you have to fight to take up the sport. “You can go either way. Learn the moves and use them as an exercise routine for fitness, or take it to the next level of sparring with another person. It’s really up to you,” Gomez says.
Come as You Are
Unlike other sports and forms of exercise, you don’t need to worry about getting into incredible shape to start kickboxing.“You can start a program like this without any previous experience,” Gomez says. “It’s most likely that your first few months will focus on total-body conditioning to get you ready to perform the techniques.”
Unlike other sports and forms of exercise, you don’t need to worry about getting into incredible shape to start kickboxing.“You can start a program like this without any previous experience,” Gomez says. “It’s most likely that your first few months will focus on total-body conditioning to get you ready to perform the techniques.”
Start with the Basics
Surprisingly, the equipment you need to start is minimal and relatively affordable. “A pair of hand wraps will do for the first few months to teach the practitioner proper wrist alignment and form during the basic techniques,” Gomez says. Hand wraps are typically inexpensive and can be bought in specialty stores or online. If you prefer, you can use kickboxing gloves, like those pictured above. Don't forget to wear comfortable athletic clothes that allow you to move freely.
Surprisingly, the equipment you need to start is minimal and relatively affordable. “A pair of hand wraps will do for the first few months to teach the practitioner proper wrist alignment and form during the basic techniques,” Gomez says. Hand wraps are typically inexpensive and can be bought in specialty stores or online. If you prefer, you can use kickboxing gloves, like those pictured above. Don't forget to wear comfortable athletic clothes that allow you to move freely.
Enjoy the Stress Relief
You don’t have to use a punching back in your kickboxing routine—but you might find that whacking away at one makes you feel pretty good. “Hitting a bag properly is a fantastic stress release,” Gomez says. “Once you [have] the form down and know how to protect your body, you can go as hard as you feel is needed.” Your new solution to a rough day?
You don’t have to use a punching back in your kickboxing routine—but you might find that whacking away at one makes you feel pretty good. “Hitting a bag properly is a fantastic stress release,” Gomez says. “Once you [have] the form down and know how to protect your body, you can go as hard as you feel is needed.” Your new solution to a rough day?
To find a kickboxing class, check local gyms or martial arts studios
Originally posted by betterforyou.com
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