Cardio Kickboxing

A workout that kicks butt!

Are you thinking of trying cardio kickboxing?

If you're looking for a high impact and high intensity, but definitely fun workout routine, then kickboxing might be for you. It will not only whip your legs and the rest of your body in shape, but it will also teach you some simple self defense moves.

It is a combination of martial arts, boxing and aerobics. It is a form of kickboxing, however it does not involve a physical contact with another person.

The sole purpose of it, is a great cardiovascular workout with many benefits to the body. It will help you tone, strenghten and condition every part of your body, and especially your legs and butt.

And if you're looking to loose weight and burn calories, then I am happy to tell you that an hour of this workout will melt 350-450 calories.

Another great benefit is stress relief. With all the kicking and punching you will be doing, you are guaranteed to get out many frustrations!

If you're serious about starting a cardio kickboxing routine I have few suggestions:

• Start with beginner level classes or DVDs. It is a high impact and high intensity workout, so unless you are in excellent physical shape, you need to start slow and work at your own pace. As you get stronger and better at it, you can progress to intermediate and advanced classes.

• Don't overdo it. Kickboxing requires very controlled movements to achieve best results and prevent an injury. So take your time learning the moves. Kick only as high as you feel comfortable without straining too much. If you can't kick as high as the instructor or the others, do not worry! It all comes together with practice!

• Wear comfortable shoes. This is not a workout that you should do shoeless. A good pair of sport shoes is a must.

• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes. You do not want to constrict your moves with tight shorts or shirt.

I personally tried, and highly recommend Billy Blanks Kickboxing. You can order it through his web site.

Basic Moves

Base Move

• Quickly shift your weight from the ball of one foot to the other.

Bob and Weave

• Keep your elbows bent and your hands in front of your face in fists.

• Shift your weight back and forth and at the same time raise and lower your torso from almost standing to almost squatting position.

Front Kick

• Stand with your hands in fists in front of your chest and your feet shoulders width apart.

• Bend your knees slightly.

• Pull your knee up to your chest and kick your foot straight out in front of you, with your toes up.

• Make sure your abs are tight when you kick and don't try to kick higher that you're able.

Roundhouse Kick

• Stand with your right side facing an imaginary target.

• Have your feet shoulders' width apart and knees bent.

• Lift your right knee pointing to the target and pivot your body to the right.

• Kick with your right leg and pretend you're kicking the target.

Side Kick

• Face your imaginary target with the right side of your body.

• Pull your right knee up, towards your shoulder.

• Bend both knees slightly as you kick with the right leg in the direction of your target.

• The heel should be making contact with the target.

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The cardio kickboxing base moves on this page are based on my own personal research and exercise routine over the last 10 years. I am however NOT a qualified fitness instructor and I do not take the responsibility for any errors or incidents while performing the suggested exercise. Always consult your doctor, before starting a new fitness routine, especially if you're pregnant or have a medical condition of any kind. Any application of techniques and ideas presented here is at reader's sole risk and discretion.

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