1. Improves Cardiovascular Fitness
Depending on the length of the class, kickboxing fitness classes can range in intensity, but they are all great aerobic workouts. These types of classes get your heart pumping, which carries oxygen-rich blood to your muscles, therefore improving your cardiovascular fitness level. The more your heart has to work, the more efficient it will become at transporting oxygen. The more frequently you exercise, the lower your resting heart rate will be, which is the sign of a healthy heart. If you want to improve your stamina, try taking a 1-hour kickboxing class so you sustain the intensity for a longer period of time.
2. Burns Calories
Kickboxing classes are a very efficient workout where you can burn up to 750 calories in an hour. A number of variables, including the intensity and duration of the class, will determine exactly how many calories you burn. Classes with interval-based training will be more efficient at burning fat and calories than a typical steady-state cardio class.
3. Tones Upper and Lower Body
All the routines performed in cardio kickboxing force you to engage a number of key muscle groups, therefore toning many areas of your body. Jumping moves will work your calves. Squats will work your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Punches use power driven from you shoulders.
What many people don’t realize is that this class frequently engages your core. A strong core is needed for balance and coordination. High kicks and the twisting motion from punches work the abdominals and your obliques, the muscles on the side of the torso. Proper form, however, is crucial to getting the most out of your workout.
4. Improves Coordination
Kickboxing utilizes multiple planes of movement, so you have to be aware of what your body is doing throughout the routine. For instance, you might be standing on one leg while kicking the other into the air. You might have to shuffle your legs while punching across your body. Thus, all these moves will improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination.
5. Improves Confidence
Exercise and martial arts have been known to improve confidence and self-esteem. Physical activity produces “feel-good chemicals” in the brain known as endorphins, which leave you with a natural state of euphoria. There are, of course, the physical changes you can see such as larger or toned muscles and a smaller waistline, which will give you an added dose of confidence.
6. Learn Helpful Defense Moves
You don’t ever want to think about being in a situation where you’d have to use self-defense, but unfortunately those situations can happen to anyone, anywhere. It’s better to be prepared. Kickboxing fitness classes aren’t made specifically to teach self-defense, but you’ll learn basic moves such as kicking and jabbing. We want to empower people so that if they were ever involved in a dangerous situation, they could use what they learned in class to get out of it safely.
If you’re looking to learn more advanced self-defense techniques, we offer a small group training class at Elite Sports Club-Mequon.
7. Stress Reliever
Want to let out your frustrations in a healthy way? Kickboxing classes let you unleash your frustration through intense physical activity. Some classes use traditional boxing bags where participants can kick and punch something physical instead of just the air. Besides relieving stress, numerous studies have shown that physical activity is great to lower depression and anxiety levels as well.
8. It’s Fun!!!
Sick and tired of the same old boring workouts? If all of the benefits above aren’t enough for you, the best benefit is that it’s a lot of fun! It’s a very dynamic class where you’ll utilize a lot of muscle groups. Because you’re practicing martial arts moves, it won’t even feel like you’re exercising. You’ll jump, punch, and kick your way to a happier, healthier self.
You’ll also benefit from the social environment being in a group exercise class. Even if you have never taken a class before, the community will welcome you because they were once in that position, too. In a few sessions, you’ll feel like one of the group. And fellas, this class isn’t just for women either!
Our Current Kickboxing Lineup
All group exercise classes are included with every Elite Sports Clubs membership. All of our current kickboxing classes are listed below:
Brookfield – Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am
North Shore – Saturdays, 9:45-10:45 am
River Glen – Mondays, 10:15-11:15 am
As with any radical change in your exercise routine, you should consult your doctor to see if any existing medical conditions could cause health problems or injury. Also, feel free to ask a member of the Elite fitness staff. They can make recommendations for which classes are right for you. See you in class!