Kick Start That Cardio!

\"antonioBy Antonio Myrie, NYC Personal Trainer

Bruce Lee made it cool. Chuck Norris made you cringe. Jean Claude Van Damme made it sexy. I\’m talking about kicking! Yes, whipping that leg at the head of a bad guy, snapping that foot, making him spin around 360 degrees and fall into a useless heap. However, unbeknownst to even we followers of the way of the warrior, kicking can also burn major calories while conditioning several areas of the lower body and abdominals.

For example, the roundhouse kick is a basic kick, always used in kickboxing programs, and capable of toning you up like you wouldn\’t believe. One common variation of this kick is to stand in a basic boxer\’s stance but instead of having your hips squared, you turn them so you\’re positioned in more of a side facing stance.

\"roundhouseUsing the hip as the trigger point, you raise the leg (firing the obliques), keeping the lower leg bent at the knee, and as your knee raises to the point to that it\’s parallel with your hip, you snap that leg outwards (activating the quadriceps and triggering the glutes) looking to make impact with the instep (i.e. top of the foot).

Retract the foot by ‘hooking\’ it back towards the glutes (targeting the hamstrings) while bending the knee, then placing it on the ground, landing gently on the ball of the foot before placing the heel down (activating the calves). Now try doing 30 to 50 of those kicks quickly, maintaining a constant speed from the first kick to the last. Next perform the same kick set with your opposite leg.

Ok now repeat two more times per side! That\’s 300 kicks and, if done correctly, approximately 50 to 75 calories in 5 minutes! The goal is not to kick hard, just fast and most importantly, correctly.

Be A Little Better Everyday

Establishing positive daily habits is a powerful way to create long-lasting changes and improve your overall well-being. By incorporating these nine simple habits into your routine, you can positively impact your physical health, mental clarity, and personal growth. Let’s dive into these habits and explore the benefits they bring to your life.

One Hour of Exercise

Engaging in at least one hour of exercise daily helps boost your energy levels, promotes weight management, and strengthens your cardiovascular system. Regular exercise also releases endorphins, improving your mood and reducing stress. If you aren’t sure how to get started, hire a personal trainer.

Two Liters of Water

Staying properly hydrated by consuming two liters of water per day promotes healthy digestion, enhances cognitive function, and supports overall cellular health. Water also aids in flushing out toxins from your body and helps maintain healthy skin.

Three Cups of Tea

Drinking three cups of tea, such as green, herbal, or black tea, provides a host of benefits, including antioxidant protection, improved digestion, and enhanced immune function. Tea can also help relax the mind and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Four Colors on Your Plate

Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your meals ensures a broad range of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The vibrant colors indicate the presence of beneficial phytochemicals, which help reduce inflammation, support a strong immune system, and promote optimal health.

Five Minutes of Meditation

Taking just five minutes each day to practice meditation can improve focus, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote emotional well-being. It allows you to cultivate mindfulness, gain mental clarity, and develop a sense of inner peace.

Six Songs that Motivate You

Listening to six motivational songs each day can uplift your mood, boost motivation, and provide a positive outlook. Music has the power to inspire, evoke emotions, and drive you towards achieving your goals.

Seven Minutes of Laughter

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Devote seven minutes to engaging in activities that bring joy and laughter, whether it’s watching a funny video, spending time with loved ones, or reading jokes. Laughter reduces stress, enhances immune function, and improves overall well-being.

Eight Hours of Sleep

Getting a restful eight hours of sleep every night is crucial for your physical and mental health. Quality sleep supports brain function, promotes optimal hormone regulation, and aids in the body’s repair and recovery processes.

Read Nine Pages of a Book

Dedicating time to read nine pages of a book each day enhances knowledge, expands creativity, and improves cognitive abilities. Reading provides mental stimulation, reduces stress, and offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. Incorporating these nine daily habits into your routine can lead to transformative changes in your life. From physical fitness and hydration to mental well-being and personal growth, each habit contributes to your overall health and happiness. Remember, change happens gradually, so start by incorporating one or two habits at a time and gradually build upon them. Embrace these habits as a lifestyle, and you’ll witness the positive impact they have on your well-being. Start today and embark on a journey towards a happier, healthier you.

FOR TRAINERS

Useful Tools

LATEST BLOG

Upcoming Cities

Find the best personal trainer NYC, yoga instructor, NY pilates instructor, nutritionist, or health coach,
in your New York City zip code, that meets your needs and goals on NeighborhoodTrainers.

Scroll to Top