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Are you looking for a total body workout that totally kicks butt? How about a way to increase your stamina, flexibility, and strength while listening to your favorite dance mixes? If this sounds good to you, keep reading to find what you need to know before you take the kickboxing challenge. What Is Kickboxing? Competitive kickboxing actually started in the 1970s, when American karate experts arranged competitions that allowed full contact kicks and punches that had been banned in karate. Because of health and safety concerns, padding and protective clothing and safety rules were introduced into the sport over the years, which led to the various forms of competitive kickboxing practiced in the United States today. The forms differ in the techniques used and the amount of physical contact that is allowed between the competitors. Currently, one popular form of kickboxing is known as aerobic or cardiovascular ("cardio") kickboxing, which combines elements of boxing, martial arts, and aerobics to provide overall physical conditioning and toning. Unlike other types of kickboxing, cardio kickboxing does not involve physical contact between competitors - it's a cardiovascular workout that's done because of its many benefits to the body. Cardio kickboxing classes are usually comprised of 10 to 15 minutes of warm-ups, which may include stretching and traditional exercises such as jumping jacks and push-ups; then about a 30-minute kickboxing session that includes movements such as knee strikes, kicks, and punches. Some instructors may use equipment like punching bags or jump ropes. After this, at least 5 minutes should be devoted to cooling down, followed by about 10 minutes of stretching and muscle conditioning. Stretching is really important because beginners are prone to strained ("pulled") muscles, and slow, proper stretching helps relax muscles after vigorous activity and prevent injury.
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