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I want more power in my kickboxing workout, what can I do?
By Christina | July 1, 2008
Kickboxing is a great, multi-muscle workout and a wonderful addition to any Group Exercise schedule. Kickboxing, or cardio kickbox, has been around for about approximately 15 years as a class format in gyms. Unlike Spinning or even Step aerobics, kickboxing incorporates flexibility, cardio and complete integration of all the muscles in the legs, arms and core.
To add a new dimension to your kickbox workout, you can incorporate equipment. A class called Contact Kickboxing utilizes special equipment such as sparring mannequins, heavy bags, focus mitts, forearm shields and kicking pads as well as additional sports equipment for speed, agility and performance drills. Taught in small-group fitness or one-on-one in a personal training setting your instructor or trainer will coach you in proper technique for hitting targets as well as increasing your hand-eye coordination, reaction time, strength, speed and agility.
It may seem awkward at first, but the basic moves in a contact kickboxing class can be mastered with time, patience and practice. A prepared class will have mirrors, a punching or ”heavy” bag and hit pads for participants to use. Here are two basic lower-body kickboxing moves that work the hamstrings, gluteals and quadriceps:
- The roundhouse kick - Starting from a basic stance (side of body facing bag, knees slightly bent, shoulder-length apart), lift your right knee and point it just to the right of your target. Pivot on your left foot as you extend your right leg. Kick the target with the top of your foot.
- The side kick - From the basic stance, pull your right knee up toward your left shoulder. Pivot on your left foot as you snap your right leg into your target. Strike with either the outside edge of your foot or your heel.
As always, check with your physician before starting any new exercise program and be safe. Kickboxing and cardio kickboxing are fun but do carry a risk of injury from hyper-extension or improperly hitting a target.
Topics: General, Kickboxing |
