An authentic kickboxing workout that includes punches, kicks, knees & elbows will get your heart racing & have you coming back for more!
Ever thought about adding kickboxing to your cardio routine? According to Patrick Doherty, Professional Muay Thai Fighter and co-owner of Destination Fitness, non-contact kickboxing group fitness has exploded in the Far North, “loads of people are turning to authentic kickboxing group fitness classes to achieve their health and fitness goals” enthuses Patrick. “It’s not only amazing for strengthening and toning just about every muscle in the body, but also great for improving coordination and agility.” Better still, it’s a fun workout that will do wonders for your waistline - 60 mins of kickboxing burns more than twice the calories of 60 mins of power walking. Check it out...
We’ll have you fighting fit in no time.
Is it for me?
If you thought Muay Thai was only for those fit, muscular looking dudes on TV, think again. Patrick says he has participants from all walks of life and of varying skills and abilities. “Grandmothers and black belt martial artists regularly train at our gym happily side-by-side”. Classes have been designed specifically to allow new participants to build up slowly. As Patrick explains, “It used to be a male dominated arena, but now men and women, young and old, are in the thick of the action, and go home feeling like they have had a great experience.”
What are the benefits?
First of all, kickboxing is an extremely fun and effective way to achieve weight-loss. The functional movements mean that you get an aerobic and anaerobic workout, combined with resistance training. So not only do you strip the calories but you build great muscle definition while you do it. “It’s awesome for overall fitness, you tone your arms and legs (and butt); gain explosive power; all while improving your balance and coordination - it’s great” “I have been involved in Muay Thai for over 10 years and I’m still marvelled at the ability of the art to transform a persons physical appearance” says Patrick.
The list of health benefits associated with exercise such as kickboxing include lower resting heart rate, improved blood pressure and cholesterol, reduction in the risk of heart disease and diabetes, helping to prevent osteoporosis, lowering levels of stress and anxiety, raising energy levels, increasing confidence... the list goes on.
And don’t fall victim to cheap imitation classes at conventional gyms, because in addition to all those physical benefits, training with experienced Muay Thai instructors helps ensure you feel the mental challenge of mastering real combat techniques, and leaves you feeling like you could take on Bruce Lee.
What to expect?
In the first three classes you will be introduced to some of the simple techniques. You are paired with someone of like ability so that everyone gets the best possible workout. Patrick says, “I see newcomers arrive for their complimentary session, nervous and worried about not keeping up. By the end their eyes are beaming, they’re fired up and usually can’t stop talking. Within less than a month that same person is looking different, they are leaner and their muscles look more toned, they are confident with their techniques and are really enjoying themselves.”
If you’re up for the challenge, the class will push your fitness to the limits like no other exercise (high lactic acid threshold training), but the best thing is you can go at your own pace.
Come on, give it a try!
So whether, your a first-timer, an experienced campaigner or a sporting team looking for a great cross-training workout. If you have been thinking about going to a non-contact kickboxing group fitness class but weren’t sure if it was all just hype - it isn’t... Adding kickboxing to your cardio routine just may be what you are looking for.
– Come and see for yourself just how much you love it!
