Written by Tara Deal, NIFS Group Fitness Instructor.
If you are new to group fitness, or new to the Les Mills program, then the term “Bodycombat” may sound a bit intimidating. If you have attended even just one Bodycombat class, then you know that this intense cardio workout focuses on utilizing mixed martial arts moves such as punches and kicks to strengthen the entire body.
This past Tuesday, January 8, NIFS hosted an Intro to Bodycombat class for newcomers, beginners, and anyone who wanted to understand a little bit more about what was going on behind the punch. There was a wide variety of people attending the class, and everyone walked of off the court with a better understanding of how to properly execute the various punches, kicks, blocks and other mixed martial arts moves.
The class began with a group warm-up to get everyone moving and comfortable with the space on the gym floor. We then broke down the Bodycombat workout into smaller manageable pieces of just upper body exercises and then lower body exercises. We were able to learn the proper technique for all of the basic punches and kicks, and then apply the new and perfected techniques we learned to actual Bodycombat tracks in a shortened class.
Bodycombat is for everyone at a moderate-intermediate fitness level, and the moves are simple so little coordination is required! When you attend a regular Bodycombat class, you should expect to be led by your instructor through the martial arts moves drawn from various disciplines such as karate, taekwondo, tai chi, and muy thai while moving to the beat of heart pounding music. At the end of the class, you will feel strong, empowered, and slightly invincible.
Like all of the Les Mills classes, a new release of music and exercises is released every three months to keep your body guessing, keep the workout interesting, and keep your body in top-notch condition.
No equipment is needed for this class, just the warrior within, a towel for your sweat, and a water bottle.
Make sure to join Tasha and Emily for Bodycombat classes on Mondays at 5:30pm and Wednesdays at 6:35pm on the auxiliary court at NIFS Fitness Center in Indianapolis.