07 September,2010 06:47 AM IST | | FYI Team
Kickboxing is not just a good way to burn fat, it's also a great way to blow off steam. Still, it's best to take things slow with this sport and not skip out on the 15-minute warm-up
Have you ever had such a rough day that all you wanted to do at the end of it was to kick and punch stuff? If that sounds like a familiar scenario, kickboxing might be calling out to you.
Trust me, there's no better way to relieve stress and anger than by kicking a defenseless punching bag.
My Experience
The first time I attempted kickboxing was during my 'I hate the treadmill' phase. I was tired of running on a machine, which is when I signed up for kickboxing classes at my gym.
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It was pretty much love at first kick. Not only was the cardio kickboxing class a great workout, but I also felt like a load had been lifted off my chest.
Over the years I have practiced kickboxing pretty regularly, and I even have a punching bag on my terrace. Whenever I feel like it, I head upstairs to do some rigorous kicking and punching.
What is kickboxing?
The origins of kickboxing date back thousands of years ago to Asia. But modern competitive kickboxing, as we know it, started in the 1970s thanks to competitions organised by American karate experts.
These competitions included full-contact kicks and punches that were banned in karate.
Today, cardiovascular (cardio) kickboxing is the most common type of kickboxing. It involves controlled punching and kicking movements and combines elements of boxing with the martial arts, but does not involve physical contact between competitors. It's a great way to tone the body.
In Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, and the national sport of Thailand, every part of the body can be targetted, and competitors are allowed to use their elbows and knees.
Benefits
In our calorie-obsessed world, kickboxing is a great way to burn calories. An hour of kickboxing can help you lose anywhere between 400 to 500 calories.
Besides burning calories, kickboxing is also known to reduce and relieve stress. It also does wonders to counter feelings of frustration and anger as well as improve balance and flexibility.
Words of caution
Kickboxing is not an easy discipline. So take things slow or you may end up severely straining your muscles and tendons.
Start with low, controlled kicks before you move on to the more hectic stuff.
Most importantly, make sure your body is warmed up well before you start. Don't rush into your kickboxing routine without warming up for at least 15 minutes. Besides, a good trainer will never allow you to do so anyway.
Also remember to devote at least 15 minutes to cool down post your workout session.
As told to Dinesh Raheja (Bollywood News Service)
