KICKBOXING: MODELS’ NEW FAVOURITE
As you know, we can’t get the look we want by dieting alone. In fact, getting a better look by toning up through exercise is not that hard. Dozens of models who walk the runway, led by the Victoria Secret models, say they maintain their physique by doing kickboxing.
Image: An athlete throwing a kick in a K1-rules kickboxing bout in the ring (representative image) — Bovvladua, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Supermodel Adriana Lima participates in an “Urban Jungle Workout” with Amazonia Beverages in New York, May 28, 2014. INSIDER IMAGES/Gary He (UNITED STATES)
What do you gain from kickboxing?
Kickboxing, which increases endurance, coordination and agility, is also a fun activity. And because it works the whole body, it makes for a serious form of aerobic training. As a self-defence sport, kickboxing also boosts women’s self-confidence. What is more, by releasing endorphins, this sport lifts your mood and reduces stress. So, to avoid spending long hours at the gym, I recommend this sport to you.
It burns plenty of calories. So in a short time you burn a lot of calories and increase your muscle density. For example, you burn an average of 600-800 calories an hour. And with your more dynamic look, you will make a bigger impression on the opposite sex.
Every man loves a strong woman. And of course, if you have a toned body, what more could you want? While enjoying this sport with your partner, you can leave all the negativity in your life behind on the punching bag. Set aside 1 hour, 3 days a week for this sport. In this way, you will take your life to higher standards, psychologically and physically.
We can now take private kickboxing lessons at every gym. Because that way, we keep control of our time and we relax as well. Put on your gloves with calm, comfortable clothes, and even you will be surprised at how attractive you are. All we need is a bottle of water, a towel and kickboxing gloves. After 3 months, even you will be amazed by the change in your body. Add colour to your soul and your body.
What to watch out for in kickboxing
As for the rules we need to follow, beginners should not rush to lose weight. Let’s not forget that everything happens step by step. But don’t push so hard that you cause muscle fatigue, muscle tears or injury. Don’t neglect to do 15 minutes of warm-up exercises. In the first weeks, we can keep our main workout to 15-20 minutes and finish the session with stretching.
I would also like to say that this is a discipline people with joint and back pain should stay away from. Take particular care that your joint angles are correct when punching or kicking, and avoid moves your instructor does not recommend. When you feel tired, end your workout.
Flexibility holds an important place in this discipline, as in others. My advice is that once your workout is over, you open your legs as wide as you can and do static stretching. Hold still for 5 minutes without forcing it. After lying face down, lift your legs one at a time, pull them towards you with your hand and again do static stretching. You can also do this move turning onto your sides. Don’t forget to stretch your arms too.
Don’t let sport be missing from your life. You are special. Your body is the picture of your soul. Having a young and dynamic body for years is not hard. Be aware of yourself. And raise awareness. I wish you active and peaceful days.
Before you start kickboxing training
Kickboxing is a combat sport that combines punching and kicking techniques; in fitness classes at gyms, however, it is mostly practised as conditioning- and coordination-focused training rather than competition. For beginners, the best approach is to work with an experienced instructor who will teach the technique correctly, and to increase the intensity gradually in the first weeks. Warming up before kickboxing and stretching afterwards reduces the risk of injury. Those with joint or back problems would do well to consult a doctor before starting classes.
Those looking for a high-intensity workout in a short time can also take a look at our HIIT workout article. For the history and different styles of the sport, Wikipedia’s kickboxing entry is a comprehensive resource.