Circling the globe for the last two decades, kickboxing, originally known as Taebo, has all of a sudden emerged as the latest fitness mantra to have hit the South East Asian subcontinent making the health conscious Pune its latest destination.

A great way to change your workout routine, this fun sport has numerous health benefits. Here are eleven reasons to convince you to take it up:

For the calorie conscious and the lazy bones
Weight loss being on top of everyone’s list, opt for kickboxing for the slim fit. Just 30 minutes of high intensity kickboxing is equivalent to 90 minutes of nonstop running on the treadmill — lose more in less time!

An overall workout
The biggest advantage of this activity above any other is that it simultaneously works on the whole muscle body one by one or in multiple groups and hence, ceases the need for any other type of workout.

Dual purpose
This fitness routine takes care of cardio (for weight loss), with its jumps, forward/backward steps and muscle tone by including weights in routines like ankle weights and dumb bells, during the upper body movements. 

Multiple benefits
Everyone indulging in any exercise naturally does it to keep physically fit. Taebo, with its fitness benefits, also takes care of strength because of its scientifically coordinated movements, improved co-ordination and ensures sharper reflexes while shielding.

Fitness buddy
Working out solo generally gets monotonous for most and therefore, most fitness instructors suggest teaming up with a friend to encourage each other in taking that extra round or doing an additional set.

Taebo is usually done in a group the number depending on space availability tends to be more motivational making sure we give it our best shot. Not wanting to embarrass ourselves in front of the class is the biggest impetus.

Flexibility
A kickboxing class always begins by thorough stretching to make sure every muscle is warmed up to avoid injuries and the same while wrapping it up; this whole body ‘stretchercise’ helps in improving flexibility.

Hain Muscular hain popular
Kickboxing involves workout of the body from head to toe. Hence you end up working out every muscle group that you do otherwise in your circuit training of multiple repetitions and sets; legs, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings etc.

Attention seeking
The lower body is worked out a lot more in this than any other regime. Innumerable kicks, lunges and squats take care of working out the gluts (hip muscles) and inner thighs; which don’t always get attention during another workout.

Stamina
A basic batch usually lasts around 30-40 minutes increasing to about 40-50 minutes for intermediate one going to 60-70 minutes in the advanced level. Kickboxing plays an important role in increasing your stamina in the process.

There is a shortcut after all
45-60 minutes a day four days a week maximum, is all one needs to keep fit while practicing kickboxing as opposed to that of a two hour workout six days a week. We all stretch ourselves for otherwise.

‘Fun’ness routine
Infusing a little fun in any workout is the best way to make sure one looks forward to and keeps up with it regularly. Kickboxing with snappy music as a companion is a super enjoyable fitness regime!

With all its health benefits, take extra care to workout a round of kickboxing only on a wooden floor to avoid injuries and ensure that your knees and elbows always remain soft and never fully stretched.