Kickboxing has seen an explosion in popularity over the past two decades thanks to the exposure provided by Hollywood (e.g. The Karate Kid) and late night infomercials (Mr. Billy Blanks and the Tae Bo programs). Generally the kickboxer is defined by an image of cut abs, the fitness of a marathon runner, and the balance of mind similar to a Budhist monk.Who wouldn't want the body of a model and the strength and confidence to defend yourself in any situation? It's easy to see why the sport has become so popularity. Given the fact that a kickboxing class
can be found in about every major gym, its popularity will only continue to increase over the next coming years.Weight LossLike it or not, most people in the US who participate in the sport of kickboxing are not doing so in attempt to protect themselves or to participate in some sort of ego boosting event. With the coordination of over 1,000 fast twitch muscles, kickboxing is one of the top ways to induce weightloss.The American Heart Association recommends that every person should participate in at least 30 minutes
of semi-intense exercise on a regular basis. Kickboxing often times requires simultaneous movement of arms and lengths and it's this combination of movements that helps to increase metabolism and burn calories well after the workout has completed. Anytime you can get multiple body parts moving, you're increasing your heart rate, burning carlories, and little by little, taking the inches off.CardioKicboxing is intense and the heart will begin to race within a few minutes into the workout. While you may
be out of breath for your first few sessions, don't worry, as you keep up with the training your cardiovascular health will increase and you will become less winded each time. This is a great sign; your heart muscle is getting stronger, will beat more efficiently, and you'll lower your risk for a whole host of diseases (heart disease, diabetes).Woman Kickboxing ClassesDespite the stereotypes that kickboxing is a primarily masculine sport, the number of women taking
cardio kickboxing classes often outnumbers the number of males taking the same classes. Female kickboxing is hip and trendy. No longer arekickboxing lessons just for the boys. Be sure to check to check with your local gym for often times there are classes that are offered specifically for female clientele.AgingThe National Institute of Health recently released a statement that exercise can boost the well being of seniors that may be at risk for losing their independence. While kickboxing probably isn't for Grandma Mimi, it can certainly be utilized by older adults who are worried about the effects of aging. Stability, mobility and diseases such as Osteoporosis are all concerns about advanced aging, but these symtoms can be prevented through multi-joint movement sports such as kickboxing.Remember, for most people, the multimovement nature of kick boxing is what matters (not the physical agressiveness so many perceive of the sport). You want to get your body moving and keep it moving, and kickboxing classes are a great way to achive that.Kickboxing Lessons for Self-DefenseIn 2005, crime rose for the first time in the United States in over five years. There were over sixteen thousand violent crime victims in 2005. Some may attribute this to complacency towards crime but that doesn't have to be the case.Kickboxing provides the means for learning to protect your self. But be advised; if you want to learn kickboxing for self defense you want to get the right teacher. Most of the classes taught are taught from
the perspective of improving health and not the protection of you or your loved ones. Make sure that the class you are taking is specifically for self-defense.
