Preparing for your first Cardio Kickboxing Class

Your First Cardio Kickboxing Class

Cardio kickboxing is an intense and fun activity to either begin your fitness journey or add to your current workout regimen. Kickboxing is not difficult to get into, even if you’re a beginner. Let’s prepare for your first kickboxing class.  
You’ll need a few extra pieces of equipment for cardio kickboxing. You should buy all of these items new for hygienic purposes.

 Kickboxing Equipment

Boxing Gloves – just as anything else, there are different levels of quality when purchasing gloves. Find a nice pair of boxing gloves that are your favorite color or a rad design that you fall in love with, preferably ones that don’t break the bank. By all means treat yourself, but you don't really need to spend a lot of money.”
You’ll want to look for 10oz-16oz gloves. The higher the ounces, the more padding, protection and space for your hand. Our pro-shop has an array of gloves available for purchase. 
 
Hand Wraps – these are needed to provide your fists & wrists with extra protection for all those punches. You’ll need to learn how to wrap your hands. I recommend watching a YouTube video and practicing a few times. You can purchase good old fashioned hand wraps which allow you to control the support based on how tight you wrap, or there are gel hand wraps available which you simply slip onto your hand, whichever you prefer. Our pro-shop does have hand wraps available. 
 
Mouth Guard – this is optional. You will not spar with any of your gym mates during class. However, some people bite down hard when they kick and punch during their session. If you find yourself gritting your teeth or clenching your jaw, a mouth guard can protect your teeth.  ​Mouth guards are available in our pro-shop. 

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 Optional & Helpful Essentials

Gym Bag – I recommend a mesh gym bag; this allows for air flow through your equipment after class. You are going to sweat, that is guaranteed. Just be sure to purchase a bag big enough to hold your gloves and your gym essentials. We have a large RMT gear bag perfect for all of your training gear. 
 
Water bottle –Bring a large water bottle to every single kickboxing class. These classes can get intense and hydration is important. I recommend a water bottle with a straw, so you do not have to remove your gloves to grab a drink. Grab an RMT water bottle from our pro-shop. 
 
Hair band or headband – anyone that has hair on the longer side can appreciate keeping their sweaty locks out of their face. It’s difficult to wipe away sweaty, sticky strands of hair when your hands are in boxing gloves. A headband is also beneficial for short or no hair at all. 
 
Towel – speaking of intense & sweaty workouts, pack a gym towel! You might even want to pack an extra shirt or outfit to change into afterwards if you need to run errands after your workout.
 
Now that you’ve got all your gear, let’s go over the basic kickboxing moves or stikes. The traditional stance is left foot forward, right foot back. Your instructor or coach can help you identify your stance. Technique is important to ensure you do not injure yourself and it will improve over time. You’ll want to focus on getting a good workout in while your technique improves. Coaches and trainers should help correct your form as they lead you through class.

Strikes
1 – Jab
2 – Cross
3 – Hook
4 - Rear Uppercut
5 – Lead Uppercut
6 – Rear Body shot
7 – Lead Body shot
 
Kicks
Rear roundhouse
​Lead switch kick    
 
Class Session

First, wrap your hands before class begins, no need to put your gloves on just yet. Next, choose either a hanging or standing boxing bag. Class will begin with a warmup. 5-10 minutes of jogging, jump roping, or body weight exercises will loosen you up and get you ready. The coach or instructor will let you know when it’s time to grab your gloves. For the next 30-40 minutes you’ll follow the instructions of the coach as they direct you what to do during and after the rounds on the clock.

Remember to have a good time and give it your BEST effort! 
 

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