Let’s clear one thing up right away: kickboxing for fitness is very different to the martial art of kickboxing. If you want to get fit, lose weight and learn a few self-defence tactics along the way, then kickboxing for fitness classes are perfect for you.

You won’t have to compete against anyone (direct contact is a no-no), and you won’t have to earn any coloured belts. The only thing you will earn is fitness, endurance and a wonderfully toned body!

Fitness kickboxing has been hailed by trainers, athletes and entire sports teams – including the South African women’s hockey team – as a workout with maximum results. That’s because it’s fast-paced, cardio-intensive and works your entire body all at once. It takes care of your flabby bits while strengthening your core muscles.
The series of punches, including jabs, uppercuts and hooks mixed with roundhouse, push and side-kicks moves are excellent for strengthening your core, your arms and your abdominal muscles.

The kicks, lunges and squats focus on tightening your leg and glutes. A one-hour kickboxing fitness class alone can burn between 590 and 863 calories. That’s more calories than is burnt in an intense on-hour netball match. No wonder more and more athletes are using kickboxing to maximise their fitness levels!

Feeling a little intimidated? Don’t! It’s true that the kickboxing requires endurance, but local instructors are well trained in guiding newcomers to that super-energy level slowly. And if you follow their directions, you’ll get some radical stress relief along the way too.

The intense concentration needed for kickboxing takes your mind completely off other things, and the energy exerted releases any pent-up aggression.

It’s also fantastic for improving your coordination and balance – key factors in staying fit.