Artikel: Get Fit While You Get Your Kicks

Amerikanischer Artikel aus dem bekannten Parade Magazine

Kickbox Fitness is a mix of boxing, martial arts and aerobics. It may sound peculiar as a fitness routine, but it actually offers a substantial total-body workout that is easier to undertake than you might think. The movements used in kickboxing can sharpen reflexes and improve coordination and balance.

Kickbox Fitness also releases stress and improves strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility. In addition, it can burn 500to 800 calories an hour, as opposed to 300 to 400 calories burned in an hour of step aerobics. This new type of workout was started in Wilmington, N.C., just 3- 1/2 years under the leadership of Joe Lewis a former heavyweight champion on in karate and kickboxing.

Lewis, the president of Kickbox Fitness, has refined various techniques of the sport into a workout program accessible to just about anyone who can stand up. "The variety of movements found in martial arts-based workouts may be enough to pique the interest of easily bored and keep them working out for the long run," says Richard Cotton, Chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise.

Kickbox Fitness and Cardio Karate - which is taught in 1700 karate schools, with Lewis as a senior consultant - are similar in that they emphasize resistance training (working with a punching bag). "Anyone can come in and start for the first time in any class" says Lewis. "A Kickbox Fitness workout will build confidence, empower you and get you to have fun and look great!"

The workout, sanctioned by the American College of Sports Medicine, is available in more than 50 gyms and other sites around the U.S., says Lewis. He and his staff provide eight hours of training ending with certification to those instructors who wish to offer the program to clients.