Whether you’re hoping to improve your form and technique — or just want to burn some serious calories — come join us for Cardio Kickboxing Classes at Adventure Fitness Athletic Club. AFAC members can join us up to 3 times a week at our Thornton gym for this medium- to high-impact class:
Cardio Kickboxing Classes
Open to all levels
Thursdays – 5:30pm to 6:15pm – taught by Javier
Fridays – 5:30pm to 6:15pm – taught by Javier
Saturdays – 9:15am to 10:15am – taught by Ed
At this class, we teach the fundamentals of kickboxing and boxing, including the use of proper form, basic foot work, and striking technique so that you can move and strike safely and effectively.
Our main goal at our Cardio Kickboxing Classes is to provide a fun, full-body cardio workout that will get your body moving and improve your fitness level.
What is the difference between Kickboxing and Cardio Kickboxing?
When people hear about cardio kickboxing classes, they often envision a martial arts-style setting where participants take jabs at one another inside a boxing ring.
However, there are fundamental differences between kickboxing classes and cardio kickboxing classes. Let’s explore what each class offers to get a better understanding on how they differ.
What is regular kickboxing?
Regular kickboxing is a full-contact, standing combat sport that borrows moves from karate, boxing, and other martial arts. Contrary to its name, kickboxing uses both the hands and feet for throwing punches and kicks, respectively. Elbows and knees are generally not used as points of contact in kickboxing, and there’s no wrestling involved.
While people participate in kickboxing classes to get exercise and learn self-defense, kickboxing is also a professional sport akin to boxing and MMA.
Regular kickboxing classes are usually held at martial arts studios and not fitness gyms. During a regular kickboxing class, participants learn how to kick, punch, block, counter, and refine their footwork. While punching bags are used during class, there’s also a good chance that participants will spar with their classmates, as well.
What is cardio kickboxing?
While regular kickboxing certainly provides a good cardiovascular workout, cardio kickboxing is different than regular kickboxing in several ways. For example, cardio kickboxing class:
- Is held at a fitness gym instead of a martial arts studio
- Combines aerobic exercises with kickboxing moves
- Places more emphasis on movement and fun, and less emphasis on technique
- Keeps kickboxing moves simple
- Is great if your main goals are to get fit, have fun, and lose weight
- Is accompanied by music
- Will add some kicks and punches to your workout routine
- Will improve your coordination and confidence, but is not a useful tool for self-defense
There are also a few similarities between kickboxing and cardio kickboxing. For instance, both of them incorporate punching bags and partner-held targets for you to hit.
Overall, the main difference between kickboxing classes and cardio kickboxing classes is what your ultimate goal is. If it’s to enjoy an exciting, calorie-burning workout, then cardio kickboxing is for you.
What happens at a cardio kickboxing class?
Like most fitness classes, a cardio kickboxing class begins with a warm-up and concludes with a cool-down. In between, you can expect a combination of martial arts moves and fast-paced cardio that challenges beginners, advanced athletes, and everyone in between.
During cardio kickboxing class, the instructor will lead the group through each exercise while music plays in the background. Some of the kickboxing elements of the class can include:
- Jabs
- Crosses
- Hooks
- Uppercuts
- Front kicks
- Roundhouse kicks
- Side kicks
- Back kicks
Keep in mind, however, that this is a non-contact workout. All kicks and punches are thrown into the air or at times, onto pads and punching bags.
A few of the cardio exercises and calisthenics thrown into the mix could be:
- Jumping jacks
- Jumping rope
- Squats
- Lunges
- Pushups
- Burpees
- Knee raises
In addition to cardio and kickboxing, this class will also incorporate stretching and core exercises like planks and crunches.
What are the benefits of a cardio kickboxing class?
Cardio kickboxing is good for almost every part of your body, but you should always check with your doctor before starting any new fitness routine, especially one as physically demanding as cardio kickboxing.
Regular attendance to cardio kickboxing classes can benefit your heart, lungs, muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and mood. These classes are also beneficial for:
- Improving stamina
- Burning 350-450 calories per hour
- Burning fat, including stubborn belly fat that’s linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer
- Building lean muscle
- Elevating your heart rate into an intense zone
- Lowering blood pressure
- Decreasing resting heart rate
- Improving focus
- Relieving stress
- Making friends
- Having fun
Another benefit of cardio kickboxing is that it’s a great change of pace from more redundant cardio workouts like treadmills and elliptical trainers. You definitely won’t be bored while kickboxing!
Also, you don’t need experience in martial arts or boxing to try kickboxing. Classes are open to everyone. If you’re a beginner, it’s okay to begin slowly and work your way up to a full-intensity class. Take breaks when you need them, don’t feel bad if you can’t keep up, and be patient — you will improve with practice.
Cardio Kickboxing at AFAC
If you’d like to try our Kickboxing Classes at Adventure Fitness Athletic Club, contact us or stop by to talk to our staff. You can also call Susan at 720-849-0245 or email her at susan@adventurefitness.club. Club members can register for Kickboxing Classes on MINDBODY and non-members can join for a $10 per-class fee.
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