By Amy Boyd MSS, LSW
Cardio Kickboxing is a fast paced, high impact, aerobic workout. It intertwines combinations and movements from karate, Tae Kwon Do, boxing, and dancing. It is very similar to the 1990's craze Tae Bo, which was developed by Billy Blanks in the 1980's. It requires only a little bit of coordination and the will to want to sweat. It is perfect for those that need a change in their boring workout, and for those that have never worked out.
Kickboxing utilizes the most important muscle, the heart. With the high paced movements and music, it stimulates your mind keeping you intrigued and wanting to push yourself to your fullest. While you are enjoying the routines, you're working every muscle in your body, essentially, burning calories while toning and defining the muscles. You can feel the affects in your first work out, by feeling great and sore the next day. It improves stamina, coordination, balance, flexibility, definition, and tone. Most active participates enjoy the effectiveness of calorie burning. An hour long class can burn 500- 800 calories depending on each person and how hard you push yourself.
Along with cardiovascular work out, a segment of pilates, sit ups or push ups are also given toward the end of the workout. This is to strengthen and tone the more difficult muscles in the body and it is a majority favorite with the participants. Along with a good work out it is important to eat properly if you want the workout to work to its potential. Try to eat fruits, vegetables and protein at every meal and try to stay away from sweets and greasy foods.
Cardio Kickboxing classes are offered here at Fairleigh Dickinson University (please check Fitness Center schedule). The class is free to all students (resident or commuter), faculty, and personnel. There is no obligation as well, you are free to come and go as you please. If you can make it to only one class a week, it is not a problem; it is here to fit around your schedule. Classes are slightly similar each week, but the main goal or focus on that day is up to the instructor.
