Another day, another great workout. Since I had started kickboxing, I had kicked and punched my way to a great summer body. The results showed at the beach, in the club and in Shana s eyes. I loved the way she looked at me nowadays. I had a date with her after my kickboxing routine and I was just driving the car around the block to pick her up.

Hi! I said as she opened the door. Hey she gushed effusively. Then a quick peck later, we were on the way to the car. She had her arm around my biceps and it felt great. Inside the car, You look great nowadays, Shana

said. I ve been working out my way to that perfect summer body I said, and my new workout is great fun.

What kind of workout is that? Shana asked as I stepped on the accelerator on the open road. I practice a kickboxing routine, I said. I have been punching and kicking my way to summer fitness this last month. Kickboxing is the latest, hottest trend in the fitness world I continued. It is a fun way to a fitter body and a great way to improve self esteem.

You sure look hot, Shana purred as she tried to navigate her way closer to me,

Tell me more. I turned the bend and continued, when I first joined kickboxing classes, I had to be very careful with my kickboxing routine. I had to be careful not to give in to peer pressure and exercise too much. I have slowly but surely worked my way to peak form.

Isn t a step aerobic workout a great way to achieve those results as well? Shana asked. It is a great way to burn calories, but step aerobics burn 300-400 calories per workout and cardio kickboxing burns about 500-800 calories per workout, I countered, plus it is much more fun. I feel like kicking open the door

to a kickboxing class myself, after seeing your new body, John, Shana said.

A great idea I said, Your figure would be that much more perfect. I continued, But remember to keep a few things in mind. You have a high current fitness level, but remember to take it easy at first as many classes do not offer kickboxing routines on a progression basis.

Tell me what I need to know, Shana said suddenly more serious, aware now that a new window of fitness was about to open for her, Since you know quite a bit, John. Okay, I said, in the two minutes before we

reach your favorite Thai restaurant, I will tell you what you need to know.

Typically, in classes, warm up with stretches, pushups and jumping jacks. Alternate with punches, hand strikes and kicks and then combine all three. After the main section of the routine cool down with floor exercises. Wear loose clothes and drink plenty of water. That s it in a tiny nutshell, I said, as I braked the car to a stop in front of our favorite Thai restaurant. I can t wait to kick and punch my way to summer fitness, Shana said, as I opened the door of my car and we looked forward to fine wine, Thai cuisine and the

good life.

Yoshi Kundagawa is a freelance journalist covering
the martial arts world. Too much time at his computer
eating donuts reduced him to couch potato status.
He’s on a quest to recapture his youth and fitness.
You can read his blog at http://www.martialarts3000.com