Just Kick It...
What makes you feel truly empowered like you are ready for anything? We are talking that, “I am ready for the world” energy. That big, “Mess with me if you want. I have my ponytail up and I’m ready to kick ass,” energy.
Kickboxing is that thing for us. We have always enjoyed the feeling of striking a bag and throwing combos. However, it has not always been a consistent part of our workout routine until recently. As things have begun to return to normal and we’ve done a little more traveling, we found ourselves looking for kickboxing studios to visit while out of town. In the spirit of moving in ways that make us happy, we recently committed to taking classes regularly and it has become a highlight of our week.
Any time we are excited about something, our first instinct is to come here and share it with you - our community. So let’s get into some of the benefits of kickboxing and why we are loving it so.
You can quote us, kickboxing is a superpower workout.
Kickboxing is a great stress reliever. Before we even get into the physical benefits, let’s start here! The power, energy, and aggression it takes to execute boxing drills and combos will have you kicking and punching your way to less stress in minutes. Studies have also shown it releases endorphins that make you feel happier, more confident, and positive hours after your workout is done.
Kickboxing helps improve coordination. The movements in a typical class challenge many core muscles, helping improve your posture. The speedy punches and quick movements fire up your reflexes and give you a chance to focus your energy. For those of us who spend most of the day hunched over our computer, kickboxing challenges muscles that we don’t get to focus on or activate throughout the day.
Kickboxing isn’t about just one type of training. One of our favorite fitness influencers posted recently that she moves in many different ways to help her become a better athlete. Same sis, same. While we love a good strength workout, there are great benefits in also focusing on speed, power, and agility. Continuing movement throughout the class with bursts of boxing combos and cardio movements - like jumping rope, jump squats, and jumping jacks - helps build endurance. Performing quick, snappy kicks and punches promotes speed. Finally, to drive through each move with a dynamic pace requires power.
Where to start?
Traveling has helped us find some great boxing studios. Check out a few of our favorites and some tips on how you can get in classes from where ever you are.
Los Angeles: Ready to get super serious about your boxing skill and technique? Check out Prevail Boxing in West and North Hollywood. Want a fun, boxing workout with a great view and good brunch potential? Maybe someplace for you and your friends to check out together? Head to BoxUnion in Santa Monica. We can't leave out our South Bay fam Kickboxing Club in Torrance.
Atlanta: Great food, good shopping, and more than enough to do, Atlanta is one of our favorite cities. It also hosts one of our favorite studios, Pepper Boxing. The studio is a bit grittier but the instructors are top-notch.
Birmingham: Want your boxing paired with a bit of cardio, and maybe even some kettlebell action? Check out Battle Republic. Make a morning out of your workout and explore Homewood square.
Nashville: Nashville is becoming a big draw for travel and tourism. Get into the culture at HotBox for a warm, sweaty session. Then head over to their strength studio for a double dose of work. Once the class is out, you will have plenty more options to get into some fun.
Memphis: We love a good boutique studio. Well, Memphis Fitness Kickboxing in the Cooper-Young area is not that. It’s a gritty, 35-40 minute kickboxing workout with some great cardio and core intervals mixed in. Take a towel and get down and dirty, Memphis style.
Get into it (yuh!)…at home. One benefit of COVID-19 has been the surge of studios offering online options. You can kick, punch and squat from your living room with BoxUnion and Rumble Boxing. Both offer a 7-day free trial for you to try it before you buy it.
Ready to rumble?? Which of these studios will you be booking for a sweat session? Let us know in the comments below or chat with us on IG!