This chart can help you see how kickboxing fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.
Body Parts Worked
Just about everything - skeletal muscles and bones as well as cardiovascular system.
Calories Burned
About 680 an hour for a 150-pound person, 907 for a 200-pound person.
Gear
A good cross-training, basketball or aerobic shoe, wraps for your hands (to prevent injury), boxing gloves (if the class calls for them), cup or pelvic protector, and lots and lots of H20.
Instruction/Facilities
Look for kickboxing classes at your gym or local martial arts studio. Videos are also a great option. Some boxing instructors do not have standard aerobic certifications, but if they do it's a plus.
Time
A typical class lasts from 45 to 60 minutes. You can kickbox up to three times a week, more often if you're super fit.
Schedule/Flexibility
Depends on the facility's offerings but can usually fit a schedule. The video option works any time you can fit it in.
Kickboxing Tips
The classic beginner mistake is not initiating movements from the core of the body, which can be pretty joint-jarring until you get it right.
Another no-no: Don't lock your joints when throwing kicks or punches.
Take care not to overextend kicks. Beginners should avoid high kicks until flexibility increases .
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