Are you finally planning to work on that New Year’s resolution of getting healthier? Kickboxing is a great way to get a whole body workout. That includes improving your cardiovascular system and helping you get rid of excess stress and anger.
But if you’ve never taken a kickboxing class, how do you prepare yourself? Do you even need to?
Discover our beginner kickboxing classes in Brampton and learn what to expect from your first one.
How to Prepare for Your First Kickboxing Class
If you are thinking about taking kickboxing lessons, you may be wondering what is involved beyond, ahem, kicking and boxing. You will find that kickboxing has a number of focuses, including cardio conditioning, self-defence, increasing strength and confidence, and one-on-one competition. Let’s take a look at this to-do list of how to prepare for your first kickboxing class.
1. Set a Personal Goal
Determining your goal is the first step. Decide what you want to accomplish with this skill: improve your overall conditioning, compete in sparring, or take a non-combat class. Research different styles and determine your goal.
2. Find the Perfect Class
Once you have decided what kind of kickboxing training you want, find the right class by researching kickboxing classes and lessons. Contact us for additional information about kickboxing classes for beginners.
3. Be Aware of Your Limitations
Starting on the journey to learn kickboxing is not easy but it is rewarding. That said you need to be aware of your body. Consult your doctor before starting any training, especially if you have a chronic disease like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or obesity. Kickboxing can be more intense than regular exercise. So, be honest about your limitations both to yourself and your trainer before starting any training.
4. Get Into Gear
Injuries to the teeth, jaw, lips, and cheekbones are common in contact sports like kickboxing, so protecting your head and face is important. Consult your trainer to find out if you need any kickboxing gear like ankle supports, boxing gloves, or headgear.
In terms of clothing, nothing should be too loose (avoid baggy sweatshirts) or too restrictive. Bring a water bottle and towel, and you are ready for your first kickboxing class!
What to Expect from Your First Kickboxing Class
Kickboxing is an intense but fun workout that begins with a warm-up and ends with a cool down. In between, you can expect a high-intensity workout that includes punching, kicking, or some combination of each. We have gathered some information to help you understand what to expect in a typical kickboxing class.
i. Warming Up and Stretching
Every class will start with a thorough 5–10 minute warm-up that includes stretching designed to get your muscles ready to work out. The warm-up session will be a combination of kickboxing techniques done in a relaxed manner, mixed with some cardio to get your blood pumping. It includes exercises like running, star jumps, skipping, press-ups, and burpees.
ii. Shadow Boxing
The next step is shadow practice, which is a combination of kicks and punches. Here, you have to move around; striking and slipping like you would when sparring or fighting. Kickboxing punches generally include a jab, cross, hook, and uppercut; kicks include front kicks, roundhouses, and sidekicks. This shadow practice helps students learn how to think and react quickly.
iii. The Class
After 15–20 minutes working on specific kickboxing combinations, you practise the application of these skills, either on pads or with a partner. These moves are a set drill or combination to master for your next belt grade. This practice session will be continued for 15-20 minutes.
There are a variety of levels to kickboxing, which starts with a white belt and advances to the black belt. Black belts can progress into further grades, such as second and third-degree.
iv. End of Class
Your class will wrap up with a section that focuses on your core. This is followed by a proper cool down, with plenty of stretches to ease your body and help your muscles recover.
Beginner kickboxing classes are a great way to learn new skills, get in shape, and have fun. Our expert instructors will build your confidence and hasten your natural progression but will also make sure you never feel overburdened! So, enrol yourself in our beginner kickboxing or boxing classes in Brampton or near you. Listen to your instructors, master the basics, practice regularly, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.