Kick Your Workout into High Gear with Cardio Boxing
Shandra Martinez
| 2 min read
If you are ready to kick your workout in high gear, consider cardio boxing. You can find free classes at Detroit’s Beacon Park.
“Cardio boxing is a workout that’s high energy and great for the heart. It combines boxing moves and cardio, designed to boost your heart rate,” explains Ann Marie Wakula, a certified trainer and an over-40 mother of three.
Wakula is the host of the Fitness Over 40 series, brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The three-minute videos feature tips and mini workouts people can incorporate into their daily lives, even at home.
She recently attended a cardio boxing class at Detroit’s Beacon Park led by Tracie Gajewski, an independent fitness consultant.
“Cardio boxing is a fun high-energy workout,” said Gajewski. “It gives you a burst of energy and is just a really good, feel-good workout. Anyone at any age group can definitely follow along.”
Cardio boxing moves
This kind of workout will have you doing some straight jabs across the front, arm hooks around the side and lots of bouncing through the hips and heels.
“We really focus on the upper body when you’re hitting those boxing movements and the lower body when you’re doing the squats and jumping,” said Gajewski.
It’s a high-energy workout that’s fun, adds Wakula.
“You’re moving quickly, and you’re punching and you’re kicking the whole time,” said Wakula. “It was just constant movement, and it felt really really good.”
If you want to try cardio boxing, look for a class online or at your local gym or park. You don’t need boxing experience to try it, but Wakula advises beginners to start slow, take water breaks and work their way up to more intense workouts. They should also consult their doctor before starting any new fitness regime, she added.
Look for future Fitness Over 40 videos at AHealthierMichigan.org
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