Don't mistake cardio kickboxing for an actual martial arts class. Even though it incorporates martial arts moves like kicking and punching, cardio kickboxing focuses more on working up a sweat than the fine points of self-defense. This fun, fast-paced aerobic workout lets you work out your aggression at the same time you work off the pounds.
Calorie Burn
The kicks, punches and aerobics moves in a cardio kickboxing class offer you a full-body workout along with the intense cardiovascular effort involved in continuous movement for up to an hour of class. According to the American Council on Exercise, an average 135-lb. individual will burn between 350 and 450 calories in a 50-minute cardio kickboxing class, while heavier individuals working out at very high intensities may burn as many as 800 calories in an hour of effort.
Peer Pressure
Many exercisers perceive the "peer pressure" -- which might be better termed peer support -- in group exercise classes as a positive influence. Seeing others struggle with and master the same moves affirms your own struggle and offers inspiration, as does seeing more experienced exercisers who have the moves mastered; if they can do it, so can you.
Working out with a group also introduces the idea of accountability. Once you've shown up for a few workouts, it's likely that people will wonder about you when you're a no-show, and ask where you've been when you come back.
Stress Relief
Cardio kickboxing gives you a chance to assert yourself physically, something many people have been conditioned not to do. In cardio kickboxing classes you may be encouraged to scream or aggressively punch and kick, all in a safe environment where nobody gets hurt or frightened. If you've never tried anything like it before, you may be surprised by how satisfying and relaxing a chance to safely vent like this can be.
Self-Confidence
Cardio kickboxing will not teach you self-defense skills, since the techniques have often been radically adapted to make them suitable for the environment of a fast-paced fitness class. The chance to engage in any form of martial arts, however, even one that has been adapted to music, may help increase your self-confidence and give you the courage to try other new things.
Balance and Coordination
As a general rule, you get better at what you practice. If you practice lifting heavy weights, you'll get stronger; if you practice running (or doing anything else, for that matter) for long stretches, you'll develop better endurance. Because cardio kickboxing requires a high level of balance and coordination, you'll find yourself improving in both of these aspects of fitness as you practice them.
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