CARDIO KICKBOXING ****
Beginners might have an easier time starting out with this Cardio Kickboxing class as compared to the fight-specific boxing class. That doesn't mean it's less strenuous, but non-fighters might find the routine's moves a bit more familiar. Contreras encourages students to do as much as they can but not at the expense of good form. If you are in shape, you will do well here as this is a total body workout. Newcomers to exercise will find it exhausting, but don't give up.The instructor varies the moves from arm to leg so that when one muscle group becomes fatigued, the other gets its due. Using the large muscle groups of the thighs burns serious calories. Your stomach core is also called upon constantly because, to throw a punch or land a kick correctly, you must engage this area.FUN FACTOR''He's our Rocky!'' gushed my sparring partner Jill Fitzgerald as sweat poured down the two of us. Contreras is attentive and clear with his instructions, his charm is ample and the pace is upbeat. He's got a winner.TO DO ITBody & Soul Fitness Club, 355 Greco Ave., Coral Gables, 33146; 305-443-86888 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday; 12:30 p.m. Tuesday-ThursdayCost: $14 mornings; $9 lunch-time classRATING SCALE: Zero (Worthless) to Four Stars (Outstanding)Two weeks ago I wrote about a wonderful workout -- boxing class at South Florida Boxing. ''No namby-pamby tae-bo, kickboxing, box aerobics,'' I said about that intense workout.
''I read that. I was going to call you about that,'' said cardio kickboxing instructor Gaspar Contreras as I stepped into his class Tuesday afternoon at Body & Soul Fitness. A challenge, huh?
Contreras, who says he has practiced martial arts and boxing for 15 years, went on to enumerate the ways his class differed -- and beat -- traditional boxing class.
''What I want to teach is an aerobic workout, an anaerobic workout, flexibility, endurance, proper form and function,'' he said. Cardio Kickboxing is not the best term for his original class, Contreras says, suggesting ''Cardio Kickass'' instead.
And so it is.
Whatever you call it, you're going to get 30 minutes of cardio work employing boxing punches with, and without, gloves and weights. You'll kick a standing punching bag, stretch and engage in some agile footwork. The second 30 minutes offer mat work for abdominals, arms and legs, using five-, eight- or 10-pound dumbbells.
Let's call this particular Cardio Kickboxing workout versus the previous boxing class a draw. Nothing namby-pamby about them. Now as for tae-bo, hmmm . . . bring it on.
