Kickboxing in the dark -- what?!

[maxwells]

Just curious if anyone out there has seen or heard of this before:

I attended a kickboxing class at a gym where I teach (power step), and at the beginning of the class the lights went out (or so I thought). I soon realized the instructor turned them out on purpose and apparently teaches the class that way all the time. I'm still somewhat shocked by the strangeness of the whole thing. The class was packed and it was hard to see where the people next to you were standing (oh...and KICKING and PUNCHING). The whole time I'm thinking this is the craziest thing I've ever encountered. But she has a huge following as an instructor and the participants seem to love this class. So, is this a common practice that I'm just too "uncool" to know about? How do you know if you are using proper form?

Is this happening at other gyms out there?

Shonie

 

[solara]

I've never heard of such a thing. I can understand turning the lights off if the room has windows and natural daylight comes in or even shutting off some of the lights so the room's not so bright. But to turn off the lights so you cannot see the people around you while you're all kicking, punching and hopping around sounds stupid and dangerous to me. I'd mention it to a manager and/or owner.

 

[navywifey]

Doesn't happen at my gym. How in the world do you see the instructor? How about everyone just close their eyes

 

[Bobbi]

Or blindfolded, LOL! What a hoot! I'm dangerous with the lights on as klutzy as I can be. In the dark, I'd probaly actidentally knock someone out. Sounds kind of fun though! Who thinks of this stuff?
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

- Mary Oliver

 

[clareMc]

Never heard of such a thing. Sounds dodgy to me, not to mention dangerous. Why does the whole class have to pander to her personal follies? I'd definitely have a quiet word with the management about this one. It sounds crazy, but often the management have no clue what their instructors are doing....


Clare

 

[run4fun]

She does not seem to be thinking about safety. I have had instructors turn the lights down or off during a cool down, but that is a whole different situation...

That is funny though!!

Have a great day!!

Beverly

 

[kathryn]

This sounds unsafe and rather bizarre to me. I can see turning DOWN the lights for relaxation, or for flexibility or maybe even pilates (though not so much you can't see the instructor). It seems particularly unsafe in a kickboxing class, where you could really injure someone! Ask the teacher why s/he does this. I certainly can't think of a good reason.

 

[mojolisa]

Well, I kind of do kickboxing (and step) in the dark. I workout in the morning (~5 am) and it's pretty dark in the room, especially in the winter. I do have the light from the tv, so I guess that's something.

But no, I wouldn't want to kickbox in a room full of people with all the lights out. I wouldn't want to kick anyone inadvertently, and I'd be totally paranoid that someone would accidentally kick/punch me!

 

[endorphin_junkie]

Hey Shonie!! How do you know if you are using proper form indeed!?! This one's got me shaking my head, it just doesn't make sense. I know far too many people who have injured themselves in kickboxing classes with all of the lights on and shudder to think what could happen in the situation you've experienced. When I teach flowing series yoga classes I do some previewing with lights on and then turn them down, not off. Kickboxing in the dark seems more than a tad reckless and lacking in concern for the participants. (JMHO)

Take Care
Laurie

 

[JMFRANE]

This sounds really crazy to me. I've never seen or heard of it done. I sure wouldn't want to be in that class.

Joanne