Fighting fit: Top 5 combat fitness classes
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Adi boxing
What is it? Launched in partnership with Adidas, Adi Boxing was created by Hollywood fitness guru Ashley Conrad and a team of former boxing champions. It mixes traditional moves with fitness exercises.
How does it work? This class is set to music to really get your adrenaline pumping. It’s designed to work the top and bottom halves of the body alternately. You warm up and then go straight into a sequence of shadow boxing, which is basically punching the air. Then your work on strengthening your muscles in the ring, shifting your weight and throwing punches like a pro. The class concentrates on building core strength.
Good for: Burning calories. Adi Boxing is a killer sport for using up energy, burning up to 600 calories an hour. It will tone your body and improve your endurance. A brilliant way to let off steam.
Cardio Thai boxing
What is it? Cardio Thai boxing is an all-over workout that’s fun and accessible. It mixes boxing technique with cardio warm-ups.
How does it work? Each session follows a rigid structure. You launch straight into a cardio-intensive workout, with series of sprints and skipping. Breathing is key. Then you start boxing, mastering the technique of kickboxing, punching and using your knees and elbows. In shadow training you have to work out against an imaginary opponent. In Thai boxing, it’s muscle strength that really makes the difference. You’ll do sit-ups and press-ups before finishing with some stretching.
Good for: Learning technique and strengthening your muscles.
French boxing
What is it? French boxing for women was thought up by the founder of Battling Club in Paris. It’s specially designed so that women can box using professional techniques in total safety.
How does it work? First you warm up to avoid pulling any muscles during the class. You then move on to skipping jogging on the spot. Being light on your feet is key. The training begins with some solo practice before you can try and knock out an opponent. You work through a series of hooks, uppercuts and kicks. After this, it’s time for a series of mini spars, where you’ll learn to dodge punches. Then you’re let loose on a punchbag, which you pound for 30-second bursts. This series of exercises is a highly effective training method. The class finishes with some stretches and a bow as a sign of respect to your opponent.
Good for? Mastering the basics of kickboxing. You also get toned legs and buttocks in no time at all. This is an intense workout that burns up 850 calories an hour.
Self defence
What is it? French boxing for women was thought up by the founder of Battling Club in Paris. It’s specially designed so that women can box using professional techniques in total safety.
How does it work? First you warm up to avoid pulling any muscles during the class. You then move on to skipping jogging on the spot. Being light on your feet is key. The training begins with some solo practice before you can try and knock out an opponent. You work through a series of hooks, uppercuts and kicks. After this, it’s time for a series of mini spars, where you’ll learn to dodge punches. Then you’re let loose on a punchbag, which you pound for 30-second bursts. This series of exercises is a highly effective training method. The class finishes with some stretches and a bow as a sign of respect to your opponent.
Good for? Mastering the basics of kickboxing. You also get toned legs and buttocks in no time at all. This is an intense workout that burns up 850 calories an hour.
Body Combat
What is it? Body combat is a martial arts-based fitness programme for individuals. You work out to pumping rhythms, using moves inspired by karate, taekwondo, kickboxing and Thai boxing.
How does it work? Sessions are organised around a dozen series of movements and combinations. Warming up is gentle and you should make the most of it – the intensity will soon shoot up! First you do a series of quick punches, jabs, hooks and uppercuts — perfect for getting rid of stress. Then comes jogging on the spot, kicks to the side, front and back, and dodges. Then it’s combat time with a series of knee lifts, punches and kicks. This fast-paced class is ideal for relieving stress and anxiety.
Good for: Burning calories. This class is an exhilarating workout to music. You work on your muscle tone, agility and core strength. It’ll also give you a brilliant confidence boost.
Catherine Maillard
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