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kickbox-related stories

Don't Blow Out Your Knee

Ask Fitz!, Fitness

ask fitz

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Well, they say this is the spot to drop your questions for Fitz, so here goes! I am an avid kickboxer, and have been doing it for four months steady now. I attend a group class with actual bags to punch and kick, and we use gloves and shin guards, etc. However, because it is a class of 30 of us or so with one trainer, we don't always get the individual attention that is required. So here's my question. The trainer is always saying to pivot on the foot while doing roundhouse kicks, side kicks, etc. How do you do this properly? We perform kick boxing in bare feet on rubber flooring, so to twist one's foot while balanced on one leg with no slide at all (our foot tends to grip on rubber mats so it doesn't twist easily). My fear is that I am seriously going to hurt myself by keeping my leg static while throwing a kick with the other. The instructor seems to do it with no issues at all, and I watch him closely, but I don't know how he manages it! Thanks, Missy

A. Thanks for the soft ball, Missy. You probably know I fought competitively as a kickboxer for almost 10 years, and I am the Fitness Director for the International Sport Kickboxing Association, so I will happily answer your question. Pivoting is important, because if you don't do it, you could blow out a knee. The kicks you mentioned require you to twist your body for power. If you are not light on your feet and allow the base foot to pivot while kicking, something will have to give.

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Go Hard with Fast and Aggresive Music

Fitness, Motivation

I was recently interviewed for the website GoHealthyGoFit about my favorite training music. I'm the type of sport who loves to go all out when I train. Hitting the wall elates me, and music plays a vital role in helping get that far.

You can find my list here along with a few others. (The article follows the photo of me shown here on the right.)The music I list is both fast and aggressive, which is really perfect for the things I love to do. Kickboxing, running, weight training, and more.

"Scarred" is by far my favorite, because I always loved to listen to it before a fight. "Go Away," is awesome for tough training but also makes me giggle. The article includes links, so you can have a listen to each song on my list. "Go Away" will probably make you giggle too.

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Monique Goes Running! What Helped Her Get Started?

That's Fit Club, Fitness, Reviews & Products

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind. Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Everlast and Everlast Woman are giving gorgeous workout T-shirts to each featured member! To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Monique Riveire

Age: 28

Occupation: Paralegal

How often do you exercise? Three times a week.

What type of exercise do you do? Cardio Kickboxing, Zumba, Bootcamp, and Wii Fit

What gets you to workout, even when you're feeling lazy? Group support, and the fun music in the classes.

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Age Without Getting Old: Lessons from Celebrities

Healthy Aging, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment

cheryl laddI've spent a lot of time with various celebrities this year and have poked them all about their health and fitness habits. Two of the most inspiring were not the young hard bodies we see on the covers of tabloid magazines each week. No, these two celebrities have healthy capable bodies, which have endured many years of living.

The woman I speak of, at 57 years old, is every bit the blond bombshell she was known as 30 years ago. She works out six to seven days a week, mixing up her workouts with: kickboxing, yoga, water aerobics and climbing her steep driveway known as "butt hill."

The man who stood out is in his late 60s and still plays basketball and baseball on a regular basis. The guy has probably been in every hit sitcom in the past three decades and told me that the highlight of his year would be if I could hook him up to throw the ball around with the Heisman Trophy winning University of Florida quarterback, Tim Tebow.

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Obese people bring back simple pleasures through fitness

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

I'm training a woman right now who walked through my door several weeks ago nearing 300 pounds. I'll call her Crystal. At her morbidly obese weight, Crystal was desperate to lose about 150 pounds. One goal: To be able to sit on the floor with her kids.

Ever think your weight might spiral so completely out of control that you wouldn't be able to do something so simple? Neither did she. But it happens all the time. Here comes the great news.

Crystal found herself kickboxing with me on my heavy bag that first day. Since then, she's learned an arsenal of strikes and has been more mobile in the past three weeks than she has in the past few years. Could this be you?

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That's Fit Club: Dr. Evelyn R. Wells

That's Fit Club, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Reviews & Products

The That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind. Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Everlast and Everlast Woman are giving gorgeous workout T-shirts to each featured member! To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Evelyn R. Wells, MD

Age: 37

Occupation: Physician

How often do you exercise? Four to five times per week.

What type of exercise do you do? Everything, including jogging, running, lifting weights, boxing, kickboxing, yoga, etc.

To see Evelyn's "before" photo, as in "before she lost 70 pounds in one year" read on!

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- A Killer Kickboxing Heavy Bag Workout

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Womens Health, Healthy Products and Reviews, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Men's Health

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hello Miss Fitzness, I see you have an extensive history as a kickboxer. I also like to kickbox, although I've never actually had a fight. I've since left my trainer though. I have bought a water based heavy bag, and know all of my punches and kicks. It's just hard to come up with things to do each round like my trainer you to have me do. I'm getting bored now without a goal. Have any advice? Scott

A. Hi Scott! Thanks for asking! Yes, my competitive kickboxing days go way back to the mid 1990s and I'm still desperately in love with the sport. It's a ton of fun, and a tremendous workout. Plus ... I personally enjoy kicking people in the head! Only those who have willingly signed up for a charming bit o' competition though, of course! I have also spent the past 15 years as the Fitness Division Director of the International Sport Kickboxing Association. The ISKA is the sanctioning body of the sport, just like the NFL is for pro football. So, yes sir! I can help you with that heavy bag training.

Fitz's Kickboxing Gallery(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Glove up!Psych Yourself Up!Left HookJab!Side-kick!

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Get Ripped Quick

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Places, Healthy Relationships, Stress Reduction, Vegetarian, Womens Health, Healthy Recipes, Healthy Kids, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hey Fitz. I blew it! I am going on vacation with a bunch of my college buddies and some hot girls in four weeks. I've totally slacked off on my workouts since school ended and now I'd like to get ripped again before we head to Mexico. What can I do at my gym to shred a bit of fat and get buff quick before the trip? I know I'm a dork for slacking, but I also know you can help me improve. I'm willing to do the work! Jason

A. Familiar story Jason! You're not the only one who's taken some time off from their fitness training only to have it blow up in your face. You're also not the first person to try and undo the damage quickly. Four weeks is a pretty decent amount of time, so if you are really clean with your eating habits and start training intensely ... I think it would be safe to take off at least 10 pounds before you see Mexico, and all of those hot girls see you!

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Five moves to tone your body in no time

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Womens Health, Cellulite, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Reviews & Products, Men's Health

One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "how do I get in shape quickly?" Well ... I'm sure as you read that question you might have thought ... impossible! Yeah, kinda. But, there are some things that will get you in shape quicker than others. The key is to challenge yourself, work most areas of your body, and make sure you do both cardiovascular and strength training. These are my favorite five moves that I believe will have the greatest impact on your fitness level, and help you see results sooner rather than later.

Check out the Summer Slimdown Guide -- it's loaded with tips to help you make the best of this summer and that fine body you're living in!

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Kickboxing in preschool?

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Stress Reduction, Womens Health, Healthy Kids, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements

Yes! Yes! Kickboxing in preschool! Last week, I had a little visit with my daughter's preschool class; I brought in a child-sized heavy bag and some (adult-size) gloves. Since I'm the Fitzness trainer Mommy, and kickboxing is one of the most fun things I do and teach ... we thought it would be great to share the fun with her buddies.

We spent the first few minutes chatting about being healthy. Choosing healthy foods and exercising was easy to discuss with these little ones. They were desperate to tell me about their favorite fruits and the fun things they like to do. In fact, I heard in great detail about each child's favorite bike, scooter or jump rope. This of course, was fun to for me. We talked sports too, and I addressed kickboxing as such.

Kickboxing at Preschool(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Talking FitnessJr. TrainerSpinning Back FistJumping Front KickWhack!

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When I grow up I want to be...

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Womens Health, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

When I grow up, I want to be just like the adorable and inspiring 85 year old women I saw following along as best as they could in the back of a cardio kickboxing class today. I stood in awe watching them in their elastic waisted linen pants and button-down collared shirts jabbing and crossing with energy.

I thought about the things I do today to increase my health and preserve my athleticism. Will I be able to do the same things those amazing women were doing today while surrounded by others more than half their age? I bust my butt to ensure a long healthy life, but I when I watch things like that....it just seems like a bit of a miracle as well. That's what I'm working for. With all of my being, I want to be just like them.

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered--Kickboxing videos and belly fat

Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Stress Reduction, Womens Health, HealthWatch, Celebrities and Entertainment, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz, Can you recommend any good kickboxing videos? I lift weights and run, and I'd like to integrate kickboxing into my routine. Thanks for your help. Samantha

A. Hello Miss Samantha. Great question and you've come to the right place. Kickboxing is actually my sport. I've been training/competing as a full contact kickboxer for over ten years. You're smart to want to include it in your training. I always tell folks at the seminars I teach that I can brag about the sport, because I didn't invent it. Kickboxing literally works every single muscle in your body head to toe. It also offers an insane combination of cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training in one shot.....when done right.

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Pilate's doesn't suck

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Stress Reduction, Womens Health, Cellulite, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

A while back, the physician that has been caring for my lower back injury suggested I go do Pilate's to help strengthen and stretch the muscles that are stuck in a chronic spasm. Now, I've been teaching fitness for 18 years and have been exposed to almost every type of training and equipment under the sun. I'm embedded in it. Strangely though, Pilate's and Yoga are things that have never interested me. I understand the benefit to doing those things, and have recommended them to others. I've just never wanted to pursue them myself. I'm a fighter; literally. If you don't believe me click here. I like to move fast, go hard, sweat, grunt, and pant like a lunatic. I like to GO, GO, GO! The one time I took yoga, I wanted to slit my wrists. The few times I used the Pilate's Reformer, I thought it was interesting....but not anything I'd want to pursue.

So last week I show up at the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center, and the advanced Pilate's mat class was just about to start. Feeling guilty for not following up on my doctor's advice from months ago, I half-heartedly asked the perky front desk chic if there was any room in the class. Yep. There was. And she handed me a little butterfly thing with a number on it to hold my place.

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Tomboy Sports & 100 Calorie Snack Packs

Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Healthy Relationships, Organic, Stress Reduction, Vegetarian, Womens Health, Healthy Kids, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Fashion and Beauty, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Dear Fitz. My high school offers very few sports, but I'd like to play something. I'd like to try out for football, but my old-fashioned mother thinks that will make me a "tomboy". What do you think? Katie

A. You've come to the right place Katie! I happen to have embedded myself in the traditionally male sport of full-contact kickboxing, and you know what? It made me a better woman! Sports are sports. Whether you play with a ball, racket, gloves or sneakers...sports are just a more fun way to exercise and flex your competitive muscles. Period.

I loved getting in the ring to try and knock an opponent out. I loved the strategy, speed, and power of the event. Fighting, in fact, is one of my favorite things to do. Some of the girls I've competed against thought they had to take on some sort of macho persona. Short hair, yucky jeans, and mean snarls. I, on the other hand, preferred to act like a monster in the ring and show up to the after-party like a lady in a pretty dress and heels. Embracing my athleticism, strength and courage has allowed me to appreciate how wonderful it is to be a woman. A strong, athletic, educated woman who loves to have the doors held for her.

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What to wear: Kickboxing

Fitness

Are you thinking about incorporating kickboxing into your fitness routine? Good for you! It's a blast and a serious workout. You're sure to work up a sweat, burn tons of calories, and feel great afterward (even if you are a little sore).

If you're anything like me, you want to make sure you look the part when you walk in for your first class or training session -- I don't mean that you need to have all of the authentic gear or anything, but you should know what attire and equipment is necessary for the best results. Your class or trainer will likely provide a lot of the equipment, but you still have to provide your wardrobe:

What to wear: Kickboxing(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Cover your buttTop it offLover or fighter? Why not both?Goin' proProtect the girls!




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