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Wellness

We Tried It: Cardio kickboxing


Ever wanted to feel like a star in an action movie? Well, me too! When I first joined my gym, I realized that there were a lot of different classes being offered but to be honest, I was too scared to try any of them. A friend of mine convinced me to try Cardio Kickboxing with her. It was only 45 minutes so I figured that it was somewhat feasible. I clearly had no idea what I was in for.
   
Let me first start off by saying that if you’re looking to switch up your workout routine, this is an awesome way to do it. Cardio kickboxing is a workout that provides high intensity cardio without the dullness of being on an elliptical or the confusion of trying to learn a dance. 

Let’s lay down the lingo. A “jab” is what most people would call a punch and is the movement of the fist either to the side, front, up, or down. The second type of movement is called an “upper cut.” This move is where your arm is in a L-shape with the fist upwards as you swing the punch diagonally across your body moving up. The third move is called a “hook” and is the same format as an upper cut except your arm moves perpendicularly to your body, inwards. The final move is a “kick”, which is well, a kick. Kicks can move in all directions but height is not the main objective. Their purpose is to tighten the core so when you swing your leg up, tense up your stomach for toned abs. Phew!

Now, onto the workout. First and foremost, you never stop moving! The instructors even had us doing a jump rope motion, bouncing from side to side, keeping your feet light. You or your instructor can come up with a series of sequences that are repeated about 5 to 6 times before coming back to jump rope motion and then starting the next rotation. It sounds simple but let me tell you, it is one of the hardest and most enjoyable workouts that I have ever done. It takes a lot of energy but the music and short rotations make the time fly by. And best of all? It’s totally easy to do at home or with your friends. It’s like making up your own dance routine while also practicing some self-defense.

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by Chelsea Becker | 2/1/2016
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