Have you ever passed a studio in which people are weaving and ducking, jabbing at the air, punching and kicking and wondered what they are doing? Kickboxing has become one of the latest ways to improve your cardio fitness and muscle tone.

What is kickboxing?

Cardio kickboxing classes vary from gym to gym, but the basics are generally the same. You do a series of drills set to music, including shadow boxing, various types of kicks, push-ups, rope jumping, jumping jacks, shuffling and punching/kicking combinations. In some classes instructors use props such as skipping ropes, gloves, and punch bags, and in others everything is simulated.

There is no complicated choreography to cope with as in aerobic classes, and the classes tend to change from week to week so that you are never bored.

What can it do for you?

If, like me, you tend to stick to your specific sport for the summer, then you need something different in the winter, or you will get bored. Kickboxing is great when used as part of a cross-training regime. It not only gives you a superb cardio-workout, but tones and trims your body as well.

It is a full-body workout, which provides results. During a typical class you use your calves, thighs, gluteal muscles, torso, abdominal muscles, shoulders, biceps, triceps, deltoids, trapezoids and back. Virtually no part of the body is left unworked, including your brain!

How to start

Kickboxing will benefit everyone from novices to seasoned fitness addicts. Even if you are already fit, you will be using your body in a totally different way from usual, so aim to start slowly. Spend a few classes getting the moves right, although unlike aerobics kickboxing requires no special skills, no rhythm and no innate dancing ability.

Within six weeks of regular kickboxing classes you should start to see and feel a difference. Most people find that they gain strength, and muscle definition in their hamstring and gluteal areas. You should feel more energetic, and more self-confident — get out there and kick!