This post is part of my 2017 New Year’s Resolution to try every group fitness class offered at my gym, The Equinox in Chestnut Hill. See the full list of reviews here.
PROGRESS: 50 CLASSES DOWN. GOAL COMPLETED.
CLASS: Cardio Kick with Kristy Discipio
Class length: 50 minutes
Description from the Equinox: An intense non-contact cardiovascular workout derived from classic boxing and kick-boxing training methods. The class integrates kicks, punches and blocks into high energy, athletic combinations.
WHAT CLASS WAS LIKE
Class used light hand-weights to mimic the weight of a boxing glove during shadow boxing sequences that alternated with high-intensity cardio for a sweat-inducing workout.
Incredibly similar to Cardio Sculpt, except without the medium-weight dumbbell work. Instead of incorporating 10 lb dumbbell work in between kick-boxing sequences, we did brief cardio intervals in between sets, like jumping jacks, fast feet with high knees, burpees, and jump squats.
Kick-boxing sequences were well demonstrated and moves were practiced individually for technique before adding them to the existing sequence. What started out as three jabs and a cross punch ended up becoming a long kickboxing sequence by the end of class, but thanks to the gradual build-up it was easy to memorize and execute.
Ended with ab work on the mat and some brief stretching.
Sample Exercises:
- 3 jabs, 1 cross, front kick, back kick, uppercut, hook, uppercut, hook, roundhouse, squat roundhouse, squat (all practiced individually and then added onto the starting sequence one at a time)
- cardio intervals of jumping jacks, fast feet with high knees, burpees, jump squats, mountain climbers, planks with alternating shoulder taps
- ab work including sit-ups with weights
Who would love it?
Anyone looking to sweat in a cardio workout with a kick-boxing twist. Great for someone who is interested in taking The Cut! but who’d like a little more instruction and repetition of the moves first.
Kickboxing is great because it’s so much more than just cardio. You’re squatting after a kick, balancing and switching feet to go from a front kick to a back kick, increasing flexibility with your roundhouse, engaging your core so you can move with precision, etc. I felt a lot of different muscles being utilized, including my brain, to execute the workout to my best ability. The light hand-weights do build strength and endurance, particularly if you’re holding them high enough to block your face in a good blocking position in between punches.
Know before you go
- Wear sneakers and definitely bring a water bottle.
- Watch where you’re kicking, and make sure you pick a spot with enough room to move
- When in doubt, bring earplugs. Volume is a preference and they might be helpful here.
Congratulations on completing your goal!!!