Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Things to Know About Kickboxing in Middletown, Connecticut


Kickboxing is a serious martial arts practice or a way to lose weight and have fun, depending on who you talk to. Over the last 30 years, in many places throughout America, kickboxing has emerged as the workout of choice. Many who live in Middletown, Connecticut---male and female, young and not-so-young---participate in kickboxing to improve their cardiovascular health and boost confidence.
Middletown, Connecticut
Middletown, Connecticut, is an old New England city built on the banks of the Connecticut River. It began undergoing a renaissance in 2001 when the Downtown Business District, or DBD, was created there. Many downtown businesses participate in the DBD Dollars Gift Certificates program, where certificates are purchased in amounts ranging from $5 to $50. It Burns, a women's fitness program incorporating cardio kickboxing, participates in this program.
History of Kickboxing
Kickboxing has its roots in a number of different fighting arts, including boxing, karate and a Thai martial art known as Muay Thai. Muay Thai is a type of boxing that utilizes feet, elbows and knees as well as fists. Historians trace it back to its beginnings 2,000 years ago when it was a self-defense practice. Over time, kickboxing developed into a very popular international fighting sport. Kickboxing is sometimes referred to as full-contact karate. In fact, one of the reasons it became so popular is the restrictive use of contact in karate tournaments.
Sport Kickboxing
Kickboxing became part of the sports scene in the United States in 1970, when Joe Lewis knocked out Greg Baines and became the first heavyweight champion. Changes took place over the years as kickboxing became incorporated into mixed martial arts, while continuing to stand on its own as a fighting art. Europe has also played a part in the evolution of kickboxing. For example, Modern Self Defense Center in Middletown offers a style of kickboxing known as Savate, a European fighting art known for its accurate but deceptive techniques.
Cardio Kickboxing
Many gyms throughout the United States offer cardio kickboxing workouts because of the many health benefits. Some martial arts schools incorporate these workouts into their curriculum, for those who want the aerobic benefits without the roughness of full-contact fighting. Cardio kickboxing routines do not involve fighting but use many of the moves found in the fighting sport. According to Fitness magazine, participants burn an average of 500 calories per hour during a cardio kickboxing session, while toning muscle and relieving stress. Check out Middlesex YMCA in Middletown for cardio kickboxing classes the whole family can enjoy.
Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the United States. If you want to integrate your kickboxing skills with other martial arts skills, try the Lion's Den in Middletown. It is the official training center for the Hartford Colonials, a pro football team based in Hartford, Connecticut.

 
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