Your Guide to Les Mills Body Combat Classes

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BODY COMBAT CLASSES?

Fitness classes have come a long way from when they began, and the popularity only continues to grow. Gyms and studios have become more creative and versatile with their classes, so you now have plenty of options to choose from. If you are looking for a go-to workout, now may be time to try out the popular body combat classes.

Body combat classes make use of mixed martial arts movement to create a fun and energetic cardio workout that is sure to burn those calories. The name may sound daunting especially if you are not into intensive exercises. However, do not let that intimidate you. Get to know more about what you can expect from the class, and you might understand just why it is gaining so much popularity today.

What are Body Combat Classes?

Perhaps you know the gist of a body combat workout, but before you enroll in your first class, you may want to get more information to help you decide. Body combat is a full body and non-contact workout that features moves from Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, and other similar disciplines.

The Les Mills body combat workout is designed using the science of cardio peak training, which combines steady-state and high-intensity training for maximum fat burning results. It means maintaining a moderate heart rate zone of around 50-69% of your maximum rate for aerobic endurance, coupled with occasional peaks that push you to about 85% of your maximum heart rate. If you are familiar with HIIT, body combat essentially follows the same principle. 

No need to worry if you have no prior martial arts experience. What makes body combat classes highly attractive is that they are suitable for anyone, regardless of fitness level or age. Instructors will guide you through the workout, so they will show you the proper stance and form for each movement. From punching and striking to kicking and lunging, you can expect your whole body to be engaged.

Why Join Body Combat Classes?

Body combat offers more than just cardio fitness—it trains your whole body and targets different muscle groups. Beyond burning fat and calories, you can also expect these benefits from taking body combat classes:

1.     Flexible Workout

The common concern with a fitness class is the difficulty. While body combat will certainly challenge you, it is also flexible in that instructors show variations of each movement, making it suitable for anyone. If you are a beginner, you can stick to the low-impact modifications and gradually transition as you get stronger.

Depending on your fitness center, you may also find different workout durations. Some classes will be a 45 or 30-minute workout, while others may reach an hour.

2.     Tone Muscles

The combination of martial arts movements allows you to engage different muscle groups in your body, so you can target your upper and lower body, as well as your core. By repeating the moves multiple times throughout the workout will help strengthen, tone, and define your muscles.

3.     Release Stress

Yes, you read that right! Body combat can help you release stress a few times a week to keep you at your best mental state. Whatever the cause of your stress may be, you can let it out once you get to class by giving your all in every kick, punch, and jab.

4.     Achieve More

Instead of spending a whole hour doing solely cardio, strength training, or core training, you can do all three with body combat. The program design allows you to achieve cardio and conditioning at the same time, thus resulting in maximum efficiency. Moreover, you can expect even better results when combining the two together since your increased heart rate will ultimately help burn more calories.

5.     Improve Reflexes

The movements in body combat classes help improve your reflexes and balance. Since it is non-contact, you will find yourself having to balance on one leg to execute a kick or mixing punches and kicks. It might be challenging at first, but over time, you will become much better at coordinating your movements.

Sign Up for Body Combat Classes Today

If you want to try out the Les Mills body combat, come visit our fitness center in Palm Harbor to sign up for a session. Aside from getting to join the class, you can also gain access to our top facility and gym equipment. Our trainers are ready to help you develop a routine that will match your needs and goals. Contact us today at 727.797.5100 to join our community today!