Kickboxing in the United States began as an alternative to karate, which incorporated more full-contact kicks and punches, according to KidsHealth.org. However, kickboxing does not have to involve full contact. Another branch known as aerobic kickboxing allows an exerciser to experience the physical benefits of a kickboxing workout without the contact. A kickboxing routine like this includes some combination of punching, kicking, jumping jacks, jumping rope or knee strikes.
Calorie Burning
Burning extra calories helps to assist in weight loss. According to the American Council on Exercise, the average person burns 350 to 450 calories per one hour of exercise. This is roughly the equivalent of an hour’s worth of brisk walking or light jogging.
Stress Reliever
Kickboxing can provide a healthy outlet for relieving stress and pent-up aggression, according to KidsHealth.org. Like other forms of exercise, kickboxing releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in the brain, according to American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Kickboxing places an added benefit because punching and kicking–particularly a bag–helps to release frustrations, resulting in an overall more relaxed feeling.
Coordination and Flexibility
Kickboxing involves the use of hand-eye coordination to punch and kick in combinations and rapid succession. This in turn increases coordination by teaching the body to hit a certain point, such as a location on a punching bag, or by quickly transitioning from exercise to exercise, such as via a punching and kicking combination. These workouts also sharpen reflexes, according to the American Council on Exercise.
Kicking also improves flexibility by stretching the legs, and frequent kicking can allow you to kick higher as you continue to take kickboxing classes. As flexibility is a hallmark of the martial arts, kickboxing often begins and ends with a series of stretches.
Muscle Toning
In addition to its calorie-burning benefits, kickboxing also provides a total-body workout. The arms, abdomen, hips, legs and buttocks all are worked through a variety of kickboxing moves. For example, kicking requires not only the strength of your leg muscles, but you also must use your abdominal muscles to maintain your balance as you kick.
About this Author
Rachel Nelson is currently a managing editor for custom health publications, including physician journals. A writer for more than 6 years, she has written for the Associated Press and “Charleston,” “Chatter” and “Reach” magazines. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee.
