rubber mats and a kickbox question

[thirty11]

I have gotten SO much useful advice from y'all, the latest of which resulted in my purchase of those interlocking rubber mats for my exercise area. Someone mentioned getting some at Home Depot, but if you DON'T have mats yet and DO have a Sam's Club nearby, they sell 8 packs for $16.00 . I canNOT tell you what a difference they have made in the way my legs feel during and after a workout. (I was working out on thin carpet over concrete)

Now, about kickboxing. I don't get much out of the arm drills. I did CTX kickboxing today and Cathe kept talking about the "burn" in your shoulders and I never felt much of that. Just watching her, she is obviously working harder than I am, but I'm not sure how to up the intensity. Her punches look way crisper than mine, (big surprise) but when I try to "tighten mine up", I still don't feel much -- just that I'm flailing around
Granted, I haven't practiced kickboxing much because it just frustrates me, so is better form going to naturally come with time?

By leaving kickbox out of my routine, am I cheating myself out of some real benefits that I won't get from stepping? (my favorite cardio)

Thanks for your input

anna

 

[Runcrazy]

From what you say, it sounds you're doing exactly what you said: flailing! Which means you are not focusing on the punching. Do you have KPC? At the beginning of KPC Cathe demonstrates all the moves. It sounds like you need more instruction on the moves which will help you focus better on what you're doing. The first few times I tried a kickboxing tape I think I struggled with this also. When I finally "got it" was with the upper cuts. When she talked about the power behind it coming from your body I realized I was just flinging my arms and then when I started doing what she said, I suddenly started feeling it in my obliques and consequently my arms and shoulders. Then it all started making sense to me. Now I always feel it in my shoulders and arms as well as everywhere else!

I don't think you're cheating yourself if you don't do kickboxing, but it is a great cross-training workout as well as a great overall body workout. You just need more information!

Jo

 

[kathryn]

Anna, it takes a while to develop good kickboxing form. I started doing kickboxing workouts about 10 years ago, and I remember at first it was tough to get everything right: the hips moving with the punches, the elbow not jutting out (even Cathe's form on this is not as good in Cardio Kicks as in Kick PUnch and Crunch), etc. I also couldn't do the moves as fast as the instructor in my first kickbox workout (Stephanie Steele's). A couple of years later, I dug that workout out again and tried it, and I could go faster than the instructor, with good form.

You WILL be able to put more "ooomph" in your punches once your body gets used to the new movement, and you practice more. Just watch that you don't risk injury by trying to add that intensity too soon (and possibly locking out your elbows or doing something whacky to your shoulder).

 

[Soosan]

I agree with the other posters that good form in kickboxing takes a lot of practice. I also prefer step over kickboxing but like to vary my cardio modes in order to maximize results and avoid overuse injuries. Plus I can always use extra core work!

The first time I tried kickboxing, I felt like the biggest klutz! (And I'm usually pretty coordinated.) But I just kept at it and my form has improved greatly. I still have a long way to go, but I feel that my punches and kicks are stronger and crisper and my kickboxing workouts feel more intense.

Good luck!

 

[JAFitMama]

Anna
Did you put your rubber mats over the carpet that was over concrete? I am wondering if that will work. Our workout area doubles as an additional media/recroom. Ripping up perfectly good carpet is out of the question.

Edit check out this link:
http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?...ic_id=13740&mesg_id=13740&listing_type=search
Judy
AKA "Likes2bfit"

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif

http://groups.msn.com/CatheAddicts/jafitmamalikes2bfitfamily.msnw?Page=1

 

[thirty11]

Hey JAfitmama!

Yes, I put my mats over my carpet and, maybe it's my imagination, but I seem to have more energy during the workout and no aches and pains afterwards. (that last part ISN"T my imagination)

Thanks for the link. I would love to be able to do what Cathe was suggesting -- maybe in our next house.

Anna

 

[thirty11]

Thanks for the kickboxing encouragement. I do have KPC,but gave up on it after just a few times because I wasn't feeling any "burn" in my upper body. But now I'm determined to keep at it -- for the variety if nothing else. Thanks for assuring me that with practice I'll get that intensity I'm looking for.

Anna