by Kendra Bridel
Staff Writer
Cardio-kickboxing, the new trend in fitness, is a way to get the body in shape for the spring season. It is an intense workout that combines low impact conditioning with controlled boxing and kicking routines.
Cardio-kickboxing develops self awareness, self confidence, reduces stress and improves strength and muscle tone. It increases flexibility and coordination, burns fat, builds muscle and creates something exciting and new for people who are bored with traditional aerobics.
Henry DeCambra, aerobic coordinator for L.A. Fitness in Diamond Bar, said, “Cardio kickboxing incorporates traditional boxing and martial art punch and kick movements to high energy music for a full body workout that firms and tones while burning lots of fat.”
Punching moves include the basic jabs, cross punches, upper cuts and hook punches. Kickboxing moves include front kicks, back kicks, side kicks, roundhouse kicks and crescent kicks.
In order to properly execute these moves the knees and elbows must be soft or slightly bent.
The normal class length is about 60 minutes which starts with an active warm up and stretch, followed by a cardiovascular strengthening or technique section which can last up to 45 minutes. The toning and abdominal section close the workout before the finishing cool down stretches.
“I feel that the addition of the new cardio kick format will greatly increase the diversity of our aerobic classes while offering a universal appeal to those men and women as a fun alternative to traditional impact and step classes,” said DeCambra.
There are several different types of boxing and kickboxing programs coming to L.A. Fitness locations all over.
Club boxing teaches its participants proper boxing techniques and skills with the use of wraps, gloves and bags. These protect your hands and feet from being injured.
The knockout workout is a combination of interval drills that include boxing, jump roping, athletic drills and muscle conditioning designed to increase cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.
Exercising at least three times a week will give the quickest results. Rotating different aerobics classes and exercises is beneficial for a total body workout.
If people are not interested in cardio-kickboxing as a fitness method, it can also be used to learn more about your body and how to protect yourself in the process.
Currently, there is a cardio-kickboxing class at the L.A. Fitness in Diamond Bar at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.
For more information, call (909) 860-2774.
Kendra Bridel
