Combat classes

Combat classes combine vigorous aerobic exercise with self-defence - not for everyone, but more fun and accessible than you think, and great for your body.

What is a combat class?

What is a combat class good for?

Before you go

What to expect from a combat class

Hot tip!

Afterwards

Different kinds of combat class

What is a combat class?

A combat class provides a vigorous and aggressive aerobic workout with a martial-arts spin.



What is a combat class good for?

As with any aerobic exercise, a good combat class will raise your heart rate and help keep you fit; raise your serotonin levels and so make you feel buoyant and happy; tone you up; and make you sweat out impurities in your skin.


Because of the fight-focus of the exercises, combat classes can be as much fun as play-fighting when you were a child, and also a great stress-reliever for people who have very high-pressure jobs or lives, or are feeling angry or frustrated. Because of their association with martial arts, apart from providing a really rigorous calorie-burning work out, combat classes will also improve your agility and co-ordination.


Many people say that a course of combat classes leaves them feeling more confident as well, and better able to defend themselves.



Before you go

As with yoga, the movements in a combat class are specific, whole-body and often require care and balance. Similarly, some of the movements are in sets, and are sequential. Because of this, you will need some time to get to know them well.


Make sure you go to a class that is appropriate to your level. Even if you are very fit, you will still need some time to learn to do these new exercises safely and confidently.


You need to wear comfortable clothes that allow you freedom to move and won't make you too hot. You will probably have seen women in combat classes wearing a kind of two-piece lycra leotard/bikini, socks and trainers or boxing shoes. This is not a uniform, but it's probably an appropriate thing to wear as it is flexible and will allow your skin to breathe.


You should not take a combat class if you are, or think you might be, pregnant, or if you have recently had a baby, or surgery of any kind. If you have any other medical conditions, from a cold to epilepsy, make sure you let the instructor know beforehand. You should also speak to them - or if appropriate, your GP - in advance to be sure that you are okay to take the class. If you have problems with your joints, muscles or your heart, you should avoid the class.



What to expect from a combat class

If you're interested in doing a combat class, you're probably already doing some regular exercise and looking to extend your fitness. Combat classes anticipate this and will expect you to be fairly fit and used to physical exercise and confident enough to try new movements.


A combat class usually begins with an aerobic warm-up, often including circuit-style exercises such as relay running, squat thrusts, sit ups and so on.


Having warmed up, you will then work through the movements and sets of exercises specific to that class. This will vary according to what martial art influences the class you attend.


The movements in a combat-class are different to other aerobic exercises. They are based on martial arts, and are "'fight-focused", so tend to be more aggressive and include dynamic movements and sometimes contact. In some combat classes you can expect to work in pairs. You may be working on your own. The instructor will guide you through the exercises and movements. If gloves and/or pads are required, the spa will provide these. You should ask if you are unsure or uncomfortable.


After a full workout, cool-down exercises are sometimes followed by a few minutes of deep breathing and/or relaxation techniques to help you leave the class calm and refreshed and looking forward to the rest of your day. These techniques also help counteract the raised adrenaline experienced during the class.


Classes usually last about an hour.



Hot tip!

Wear clothes you can move freely in as this is very energetic exercise.



Afterwards

Despite a rigorous workout, you're likely to feel really energised after a combat class as your serotonin levels will be soaring and you'll have worked off your stress and stimulated your circulation boosting your immune system! In fact, you're likely to feel fantastic... you may not smell fantastic.


Make sure you have a shower before you go anywhere! A gentle swim, or a dip in a hydrotherapy pool can be a great thing to do after a combat class.



Different kinds of combat class

There are lots of different kinds of combat class available, including:


Body-combat: a UK-standard class that combines self-defence techniques from a variety of martial arts with high-energy aerobic exercise, and music


Martial workout: an athletic, all-body workout that uses martial arts movements and techniques


Boxercise:a combination of boxing and circuit-training, this is a great class to improve your co-ordination and balance, as well as giving your body a great all-round toning workout


Kickboxing: an American take on Thai boxing, this class combines a full work out with self-defence techniques


Muay Thai: this exercise is based on the Thai sport of boxing, and is a high-energy workout and self-defence class which focuses on kicking and striking movements


Tai Bo: similar to Muay Thai, Tai Bo combines self-defence, dance and boxing movements, and is sometimes written "Thai Bo" or "Tae Bo"


You might also want to follow an interest in this style of exercise by considering a martial art. These are disciplines rather than exercise-classes and require commitment and training. They include:




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