Beginner's guide to kickboxing

(Bookshelf Boyfriend, December 2008)

It's always terrific to find new ways to stay in shape. Don't dismiss new sports - they can be loads of fun, and are usually a great way to meet new people.

So if you're after fitness, friends and, above all, fun, starting out in kickboxing is a truly kicking idea!

At the suggestion of kickboxing, some women will run in the other direction. After all, it's a tough sport, isn't it? You'll be breaking nails and losing teeth all over the place - and that's not to mention the bruises...

Well, if you think that's true, you can think again. Kickboxing is not about beating someone to a pulp - it's about bettering your own fitness and learning new moves that work for your body, and could even help with self-defence. So don't worry - you'll find your confidence growing with every step!

Follow our beginner's guide to start smart - and make kickboxing work for you.

What is kickboxing?

Kickboxing is a modern sport which brings together martial arts and boxing. Practised non-professionally it is common as a means of fitness and, as such, is not intended to cause injury.

If you find yourself taking part in kickboxing tournaments, then you will find out about points and the rules of contact, but as far as its use for improving cardio-fitness goes, it is a peaceful sport - so stop fretting!

What should I know before I start kickboxing?

The sport is commonly taught in groups, meaning that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve your strength against others, but remember, you are not competitors, so don't try and 'win'.

The sport uses a combination of kicks and punches, and can be practised using boxing gloves and punching bags - or, better still, nothing at all if you want to shadow box - that is, fight with an invisible opponent - to hone your moves.

How do I get started?

Before you start kickboxing for the first time, understand that it is a sport you are new to, so it may not happen overnight. However, the joy will come from seeing your body get stronger, and becoming so confident that the moves will soon become second nature.

Many women choose to join a kickboxing class, either on their own or with friends. There are a few links below which may help you find a class in your area, but if in doubt, it can be worth contacting your local council's leisure services department and asking them if there are classes in the area.

Then just follow these 10 golden rules...

1. Dress appropriately. Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is key, as well as trainers to keep your toes from harm and provide your ankles with enough support.

2. Always make sure that you have plenty of water with you. The cardio-vascular exercise will make you sweat it all out, and it is so important to keep your body hydrated.

3. Stretch and warm up all of your muscles properly before you practise to avoid getting cramp or doing yourself damage. At the end of a session, it's imperative to warm down too - treat your body well and it'll work wonders!

4. Stay focussed on the fitness benefits when you're taking those first few swings - don't try and take your aggression out on the people around you!

5. Find a space with enough room to be able to maneuver without accidentally hitting something - or someone.

6. Take time out if you need it. Overheating or hurting yourself isn't worth it - it only takes a minute, girl, and you'll be back in the game. Just remember to stretch before you stop.

7. Do not overstretch your muscles - your body has its limits, so don't try and make it go beyond its normal range of movement. If you think you're trying to do too much, stop and take a break.

8. Just focus on kicks, jabs or punches in the beginning, as least until you understand what you are capable of. There's plenty of time later to get onto the more complicated moves.

9. Starting with one or two classes a week should be enough if you're using kickboxing as a fitness tool. Build to a frequency you're comfortable with and you'll see the difference in your body. It is useful to add on other cardio-vascular exercise, such as running, treadmill, cross-training or stepping.

10. Be aware that kickboxing will take a lot of energy. As long as you're doing it right and not hurting yourself, you should be pretty much constantly moving in a regular class, which means you'll probably ache the day after! But the rewards are fantastic, and you will be hooked before you know it.

Suggested links

www.martialartsclubs.com
www.martialartsregister.co.uk