This new form of exercise combines self-defense movements with pure aerobic exercise such as front and side kick ,roundhouse
kick, straight front punches and numerous other self-defense moves.
The upper body is bolstered through the blocks punches ,while the hips,thighs and buns are toned from the kick and the lunges.
This new style of exercise is taught at the Molly Fox Fitness Club, located in New York.
This exercise offers the typical fat burning and heart healthy benefits but it goes a step further _ teaching you how to really take care of yourself ," says Michael Schwartz , the instructor of cardio combat at Molly Fox. " Even you live in a safe neighborhood , that improvement alone is a great boost for your self-confidence, " he says.
Instead of leather jackets ,however , the uniform is sweatpants and tank tops. And no one's getting hurt _ just sweating and moving _as Schwartz , who look more like a rock musician than an aerobic instructor , shouts out the next exercise movements.
The movements are simple , powerful , and full of purpose. The front kick has the knee come up forcefully with the foot snapping out at an imaginary assailant. Another move , straight jab , is ideal for toning the arms and frightening rude waiters . Another punch , called the palm heel strike , has the fingers slightly bent , striking forward with the button of the the palm _ useful in a dark alley.
Schwartz's background is steeped in martial arts where he found that kicking and punching could offer cardiovascular and self-defense benefits rolled into one workout . " Plus , it's a great way to let go of pent-up emotions , Schwartz says .
At first , the movements are a little difficult master , and you might feel awkward trying to keep up . But in a few minutes , all that clumsiness gone as your natural instincts take over.
Although the movements made in the exercise may seem appealing primarily to men , women in the class appear to be the most enthusiastic about it. They really enjoy it most . And not surprising , even the armed force s have shown interest in this kind of exercise.