Body combat exercises are a type of fitness exercise in martial arts for the whole body designed to produce maximum calorie burning. As the name suggests, this exercise is called Les Mills body combat.
Body combat contains movements commonly used for self-defence, such as punching and kicking. However, you are not dealing with a sparring partner or opponent in this fitness exercise, but you are doing a series of self-defence techniques to the accompaniment of music.
Body combat movements
Body combat is a high-energy fitness exercise inspired by various martial arts. Body combat movements are a combination of multiple self-defence techniques, including:
- Boxing
- Karate
- Taekwondo
- Kung Fu
- Muay Thai.
In contrast to martial arts, body combat training does not involve contact with an opponent or a bag. You don’t have to master martial arts before you start this practice. Body combat movements are simple and easy to follow, even for beginners.
Body combat movements generally train your legs, arms, back, and shoulders. These various movements involve your entire body, from the upper body to the lower body.
Some examples of basic body combat movements are:
- Upper body movements include boxing punches like uppercuts, jab crosses, and hooks.
- Lower body movement consists of knee strikes, front kicks, sidekicks, and back kicks.
Benefits of body combat for health
Body combat exercises can provide various benefits for your health and fitness. Here are some benefits of body combat that you can enjoy.
1. Burn calories and lose weight
Body combat is an effective exercise to burn calories and reduce body fat. For each 55-minute training session, the average body combat calorie burn is about 740.
Thus, body combat is an ideal exercise for those of you who want to lose weight quickly.
2. Build muscles and body
Body combat is an exercise that involves the whole body. Various self-defence movements in body combat use muscles from multiple body parts. So, this exercise can balance the upper and lower body and help shape your muscles and body.
3. Train cardiovascular organs and increase stamina
Body combat training is considered comparable to running in terms of increasing energy. In addition, the contactless nature of body combat training can prevent you from getting injured.
Body combat allows you to exercise harder and longer by minimizing the risk of injury so that stamina becomes more trained. Exercise divided into intervals can also help maximize the capacity of your heart and lungs.
4. Improve body coordination
Body combat exercises require you to balance your body while performing various movements. For example, you balance your feet and other body parts when punching or kicking.
Body balance, coordination, and agility are required to produce good movements. With regular practice, body combat can help the body gradually improve its abilities.
5. Relieve stress
The benefits of body combat are felt not only physically but also mentally. Everyone needs a way to get rid of his pent-up anger and stress.
Body combat can be a positive way to channel emotions. You can take advantage of the anger and strength drive in body combat exercises to help release all the negative emotions within you.
Moreover, the body releases natural endorphins during exercise, improving mood. The positive effects of exercise on mental health have also been scientifically proven, including relieving depression.
Body combat training classes are usually 30 to 60 minutes per session. If you are new to this exercise, you can regularly start with 1-2 classes a week. Beginners can perform low-impact body combat techniques, which can adjust according to their fitness level.
