Choose your boot-camp classes carefully. Some are taught by instructors
who have more ideas than credentials. Liz hurt her back in a firefighter’s
class when she had to drag a 60-pound bag of sand back and forth across the
studio a dozen times. The instructor, an actual firefighter, never corrected
any of the students’ techniques.Kickboxing (also called aeroboxing)
What it is: A class that takes the moves of a kickboxer’s training and choreo-
graphs them to music. You’ll do some or all of the following: jump rope,
shadow-box, forward kicks, punches, and the fancy footwork you see boxers
do in the ring when they’re trying to avoid taking one on the chin.What it does for you:Develops anaerobic and aerobic fitness — in other
words, power and staying power. (For definitions of aerobic and anaerobic,
see Chapter 6.) Kickboxing also improves your coordination, agility, and
balance. Most classes build muscle strength, too.The exhaustion factor: Very high. Kickboxers are reputed to be among the
best conditioned athletes. After one of these classes, you’ll know why. Most
classes are geared toward advanced exercisers, although some clubs offer
beginner and multilevel classes, too.The coordination factor: High. The drills require some fancy footwork and
arm work.Who digs it:Anyone looking for a killer workout with plenty of variety, or
anyone who hates his boss.What to wear:The usual aerobic clothing will do, although some funk-aerobics
clothing crosses over into the boxing classes. High-top aerobics shoes are
better than running and walking shoes. Cross-trainers are fine. Most gyms
supply boxing gloves if they’re used in the class.Signs of a sharp instructor: We recommend classes taught by someone with
good kickboxing skills, rather than, say, a step-aerobics instructor who is just
futzing around with a few punches and kicks. Some independent kickboxing
organizations certify instructors, but most teachers don’t have these certifi-
cations. They should, however, have at least one of the usual aerobics-
instructor certifications described earlier in this chapter, and they should
have attended a few kickboxing seminars.Tips for first-timers: Pay attention to how you feel. If a lot of the moves are
bone crunching or the exact opposite of what other instructors have told
you to do, skip the moves or modify them. Don’t give up. Kickboxing will
get easier.290 Part V: Conquering the Gym (Even at Home)