Cardio Kicks Question

[slenamond]

Cathe,

Boy, my upper back and shoulders are sore!!! I feel more sore after this workout then when I just do the back exercises from the PS series. Question: Should I be this sore or am I just pulling muscles?

Another question: My legs are NEVER sore after this workout. I am not sure I am doing my side kicks correctly. Should they be somewhat aimed toward the back or directly to the side?
Should I be kicking as if I am pushing something away with my foot of kicking out as if hinged at the knee?

Too, I have a terrible time with plank exercises. My endurance is not there. Will I get better if I hang in there and do what I can do? Any suggestions?

I hope I made some sense.
Thanks & Can't Wait for the New Videos!!!!!! Thanks for making them, you are the TOUGHEST!!!
Sharon

 

[sly]

Here's a description for a basic side kick. I hope this is coherent:

If you are kicking with your right foot. Stand sideways to the target.

Turn your heels slightly so they point towards the target. Look at the target.

Lift your right knee, keeping your flexed foot tucked toward your butt.

Kick toward the target with your heel with a flexed foot (you should be looking at the target when you hit it). Keep your head and torso as vertical as possible.

Retract your foot. Try to keep your foot and knee level with the target (do not drop your foot after you kick).

Put your foot down.


Now having said all that, remember that this is not really martial arts and you may not be able to follow all of these when kicking in an aerobic video since the purpose is to increase your heart rate and not to execute the perfect kick. Anyone have anything else to add that I might have missed?

 

[Dawn W]

RE: Cardio Kicks Question - Plank work

Hi Sharon,
Do the planks for as long as you can. Rest when you need to - even if it is several times during the time when Cathe just seems to hold the pose for eternity. You will be able to hold longer and longer as time goes on.

If you keep at it eventually you'll be able to hold as long as she does. Just be patient and do what you can. I doubt that many people on this site were able to do the plank work all the way through the first time. I think I remember Cathe saying that it even took the crew a while to perfect this before taping, and look at what great shape they're in!!!!!

Hang in there!!!
Dawn W

 

[pfive]

RE: Cardio Kicks Question - Plank work

Sly!

Thanks for the wonderful breakdown! It's perfect! I always wondered too if I were doing that correctly. People were always commenting that kickboxing is a great workout for the legs but I never thought so. I was never sore afterwards either. But now I know why - my kick is off!

Thanks again!

 

[slenamond]

RE: Thanks!!

Thanks so much for the input. I was not doing it correctly.
I'll give it a try.

THANKS AGAIN,
Sharon