How can you get a kick-butt workout in a safe, clean, and friendly environment without signing a long-term contract and without spending and arm and a leg?
Family Karate Center's Fitness Kickboxing Program
All the rage at fitness centers around the country, this workout borrows moves from the Thai sport of kickboxing and traditional karate to make participants work up a sweat. A typical hour-long class will take place in the Family Karate Center’s Training Room. The instructor leads the group through specific punches and kicks, usually to the beat of dance-club music. The moves are worked into swiftly executed combinations (for example: jab, cross punch, hook, uppercut, front kick). The teacher will also mix in a few minutes of jumping rope, speed bag, and double-ended speed bag training as well. Conditioning drills reminiscent of high-school gym class (jumping jacks, sideways scooting steps) will also be incorporated.
What Are The Benefits?
Although it may seem as if every new exercise trend is hailed as "a full-body workout," these classes can come pretty close. If you do the punches with precision and power, you'll strengthen your upper body and eventually see more muscle definition. The kicks will strengthen your legs, especially the hamstrings (the muscles that run down the backs of your thighs). And the kneeing move (a strike in which you thrust your bent knee upward) will firm your abdominal muscles; in fact, all of the moves, when done correctly, will make your torso into a solid base that lets you do everyday tasks more easily - whether you're hoisting a heavy box into your attic crawl space or shoving open a window that always sticks.
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What's more, a lot of people find kickboxing a great way to release stress. Civilized as we've all been not to hit each other (which is, of course, a good thing), we're still animals with some natural aggression. You may find that planting your heel in the torso of a phantom foe 10 or 20 times leaves you feeling wonderfully tranquil.
This workout doesn't suit all temperaments and bodies, however. If you're happy with your current exercise plan, don't feel you need to switch. The best form of exercise is the one you feel comfortable doing. If you're a bit accident prone or troubled by a stiff back or tight hamstrings, please let us know so we can adjust your personal workout accordingly.
Is The FKC Fitness-Kickboxing Program For You?
Take the time to observe some classes at here at the Family Karate Center. You will find that the instructor inspires students to work hard without intimidating them. In addition to her general attitude, you will notice that she goes through a warm-up at the beginning of the session, explains every move clearly, and ends with a cool down and stretching. Also, she will vary the class routine, and teach actual self-defense applications after the class is complete. The FKC instructors are trained to correct individuals when their form is a bit off, and rouses the group's energy with reminders to stay focused and "keep it up," but without pushing newcomers as hard as class regulars. She tries to make the experience fun, too; after all, you're not really in training for the ring.
What Can You Expect In Your First Class?
Be prepared to feel a little clumsy and lost at times - and don't get down on yourself for it. Even if you're a highly conditioned runner or you've been doing step aerobics for years, these moves are new to your body. Your muscles need time to develop a "memory" of them, and your reactions as the teacher calls out what to do ("jab, cross, hook, roundhouse") will be slow at first. By the second or third class, the awkwardness will start to dissipate.
The first thing you'll learn is the stance -- a way of standing that maximizes balance and puts power behind your moves. Your feet are about shoulder-width apart and at a slight angle, one foot set back from the other. Your fists are up around your temples to guard your face. (Don't hunch your shoulders.) This is the position you'll return to after every punch and kick. The techniques generally used are the jab, cross, hook, and uppercut and kicks including front kick, side kick, and round kick, and back kick.
What Should You Wear?
Sweats, shorts and a T-shirt, an aerobic-dance outfit -- whatever keeps you comfortable and cool. Wear well-made athletic shoes that aren't too worn. Running shoes aren't ideal because they're not constructed for side-to-side movements. A better choice might be high-top cross trainers or mat shoes.
Can I Hurt Myself?
Yes! If you're not careful, you could end up with a wrenched elbow, a sprained knee, a strained back, a pulled hamstring, or one of the injuries that commonly occur in aerobics classes, such as a twisted ankle. At the Family Karate Center, safety is of paramount importance! That is why Jay Haynes has developed this specific program for you! Since he has taken your safety into serious consideration while designing this unique progam, you should also adopt a protective attitude toward that capable body of yours. Think of how much it's done for you! When you take your first few classes, tell yourself that your goal is to safely learn the techniques and not to shed five pounds or reshape your hips (you can think about those things later).
If you can spare the time, arrive a few minutes early and warm up on your own for a few minutes. After getting your heart-rate up a bit, gently stretch your legs (especially the fronts and backs of the thighs) and shoulders; lengthen your back by extending your arms overhead and stretching upward from your hips.
During the class, make sure that you stop the motion of each punch or kick before the joint is fully extended. Don't snap those elbows; an injury there can take a long time to heal. Also, kick low and with control. Forget about the person next to you. If she wants to kick the ceiling tiles, that's her business. Respect your body's limits. Sure, you can change those limits -- but it'll take time, dedication, and a realistic attitude.
Will The FKC Fitness-Kickboxing Program Give You Skills To Defend Yourself?
Yes! In most programs of this nature, participants merely shadow box (not making contact with a punching bag or resistance pad) as well as pulling the punches. This style of "fighting" can't prepare you for a physical struggle with an attacker. In the FKC Fitness-Kickboxing classes, you will get to whale on a punching bag, and your teacher will drill you in parrying and blocking techniques. Also, at the end of every class, there will be a short self-defense lesson. You won't, however, practice shouting for help or learn how to lower your chances of being assaulted. If you want to learn self-defense tactics, take the FKC Women’s Self-Defense Course or feel free to purchase the Women’s Self-Defense Kit!
How Can You Get The Most Out Of Your FKC Fitness-Kickboxing Training?
As with any other exercise, if you want to improve your Cardio vascular condition or trim an inch here and there, you'll have to do it regularly. One session a week is the absolute minimum, and two or three is highly recommended! In between classes you can go for brisk walks, do some yoga to increase your flexibility, or simply take a day to rest. Do whatever lets you return to your kickboxing class with renewed vigor. Then you can thoroughly enjoy punching out the specter of your malevolent fourth-grade teacher or that driver who refused to let you into the exit lane yesterday!
How Much Does It Cost To Train?
The tuition is only $40 per month and students can train as much as they like (unlimited classes). If you choose to pay via an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), then the tuition is only $35. The best part is...
The First Month Is FREE!
When Are The Classes?
You can train as much as you want (unlimited classes five days per week). Mr. Haynes recommends, however, that you pick two to start, but not two days in a row. Here is the schedule...
8:00 - 8:45pm |
8:00 - 8:45pm |
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