Hey everyone! Kickboxing is one of the VERY BEST ways to get in shape while having fun! Cardio Kickboxing generally burns between 500-900 calories per hour, depending on the individual workout / program. There are some big differences in the quality of instruction you can receive from program to program, however. We feel that if you're going to spend the time in the gym taking kickboxing classes, you might as well be getting some self defense while you're there. The following are some tips for choosing the right type of program:
1.) Check the credentials of the instructor. Many kickboxing programs simply put a fitness instructor at the front of the class, who has you blindly punching and kicking at various objects and intervals. In these types of classes not only are you missing out on perhaps the best benefit of kickboxing over other fitness styles (the added self defense knowledge), but you are also being exposed to potential injuries from improper technique, which can have long term consequences for your body.
2.) We recommend sticking with an experienced instructor who comes from a technique-based background and has fighting experience so that you know you're learning correct technique (plus nobody is more qualified to get you in the same amazing shape as a professional fighter than a person who has been there). By investigating the local martial arts gyms in your area, you are likely to find a much better kickboxing program to join than if you go to a more traditional fitness gym.
3.) Find the best program that is the most convenient for you. If you choose a gym that is too far from your home or general shopping / dining preferences, you are less likely to attend as often as you'd like for a number of reasons. By finding a gym close by that meets your needs you can stake one step further toward your fitness goal. Consistency is the key to getting in amazing shape!
4) Find a program with a separate sparring class. Not everyone wants to get punched in the face (and some gyms can be full of egos and clicks). Find a gym that strikes a good balance between their professional fighter's approach and their approach to everyday people looking to use kickboxing as a tool to get in great shape. Many programs do this by providing a separate sparring class.
Are you looking for a kickboxing gym in downtown Denver, Colorado? Check out the Denver Muay Thai Program at Denver Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts-- It is technique-based, fitness-minded, and provides a safe, friendly atmosphere to train in!
