Whether it’s strength, coordination, confidence, or an intense cardio workout, there’s nothing better than kickboxing. Over the years this form of physical exercise has gained immense popularity and today’s kickboxing classes focus on everything from cardiovascular conditioning to self defense to martial arts. But before raising your fist for combat, you must train yourself by joining classes.

I need to know

This form of physical regimen can be described in many ways, but effectively it is a mix of karate and boxing. Although one may injure his opponent using only his hands and feet, it is prohibited to hold the opponent by the muzzle, legs, and hands.

Some of the things you should do are:

Set a goal: Before joining any class, you must determine an end goal for yourself. Why do you want to join that formation? Is it for general conditioning or to improve your cardiovascular health? Are you interested in finding the real world or do you want to engage in non-combat training? These are the questions you need to answer yourself and decide which path you want to take. If learning combat skills is your only goal, it’s best to schedule a one-on-one session with an instructor.

Find the right class and instructor: Once you decide what type of class you want to participate in, you need to find the right institute and instructor. Read the reviews and, if possible, take a demo class before signing up. You also need to decide what type of instructor you are comfortable with..

Be honest with your physical condition: If your fitness levels are not up to par, it is best to consult a doctor before joining any type of training. Kickboxing is physically challenging and you may do more damage to your body if you are not used to it. You need to be honest with yourself about the limits of your body.

Get ready: When joining a fitness institute, it is very imperative to acquire the necessary equipment. While some institutes will provide them for you, others will require you to purchase the equipment. Make sure to wear clothes that are neither too tight nor too loose. But refrain from wearing those old baggy sweatshirts.

Start slowly: Don’t expect to start kicking and punching in your first training session. Like all martial arts, you have to medicate first, and then slowly start to progress. Once you are fully ready to upgrade, you can start to improve your combat skills.

Be it any physical training, it is very important to remember that it is just a practice session; It is not a tournament that you should take very seriously. But dedication is crucial because if you’re not, no matter how expert a coach is, they can’t help you at all.