Hit like a Girl

When I’m not walking, I’m kick-boxing. It’s my second-favorite workout. There’s nothing like the feeling of rolling on wrist wrap, sliding on MMA gloves and hitting a heavy bag. The intensity and emotion is strong, fierce and exhilarating. Why do I love fighting for fitness? Let me count the ways.  

1. It blasts calories. Alternating punches and kicks and jumping rope leaves me panting for air and drenched in sweat. I burn more calories in a shorter period of time than power-walking on the treadmill. Martial arts workouts have been touted to torch between 500-800 calories per hour.
2. It boosts confidence. As a woman, when you know you can defend yourself, you can’t help but feel empowered (and even cool!). Each time I strike the bag and watch it fly, I grow an inch taller. I’m determined to knock the stuffing out of it one day.
3. It tones your core. The muscles that define your waist and support your lower back also help you rotate your hips and generate power when you punch and kick. The results add up to a firm, trim mid-section. Who wouldn’t love that?
4. It gets results fast. In kickboxing, you train for explosive power and speed—a fat-busting “two-fer.” You also learn to control your force and hit a target, which forces your muscles to create their own resistance as you strike. You may notice a difference in your body in as little as two weeks. Don’t believe me? See for yourself!