At the beginning of kickboxing lessons you will normally do some kind of warm-up this may include press-ups, sit-ups, jogging on the spot, shadow boxing and skipping. It is a good idea to do some stretching before you start the class, turn up a little earlier if you can. This is very important because a kickboxing lesson can be very hard on your body and you could damage your muscles or tendons.
These lessons will usually last for an hour and will start off slowly and get increasingly harder and faster as the time goes by. You may start of doing a three move punch and kick combo, but as the lesson progresses, more punches, kicks will be added to make a more complicated combination and give you a better workout.
Kickboxing lessons usually consist of you pairing up with another member of the class and switching between holding pads and kicking or punching them, so if you are thinking of starting kickboxing for the first time you might want to take a friend, makes it a little more comfortable. Sometimes the class will rotate, so you will get to pair up with other members in the class which is a great ice breaker and way to meet new people.
Most classes will have music playing in the background to help keep you motivated when you start to sweat. The instructor will be shouting orders while walking around the class helping or motivating it’s members and most will have trainee instructors to help them. Being shouted at is one of the best ways to get you working to your limits, this will motivate you even when you think you have had enough.
Some lessons are split into different experience levels, beginners, intimidate and advanced, so if your going down to your first class make sure you tell the instructor your experience level you don’t want your first try at kickboxing to be in the advanced class. The beginners class will most likely consist of basic punches and kicks, no sparring and a little lighter treatment from the instructor. In the intimidate and advanced classes there’s more complicated combinations, the speed of the class is faster and you will get a better workout.
Sparring classes will give you a chance to practice what you have learn`t in a controlled manner, kicking and punching pads is a great way to learn the basics, but they don’t hit back. When you first try sparring it will most likely be no-head contact which means you will not be allowed to punch or kick to the head area. You should have all the correct protective equipment before you start which includes: boxing gloves, gum shield, knee pads, wrist wraps, head guard and make sure you have taken all your jewellery off.
Kickboxing lessons are a very good way to get in shape, learn how to defend yourself and meet new people. If your thinking of taking up some kind of exercise program take a long hard look at kickboxing, it would make a great choice.