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Suzanne Somers
Talks Choices

Elyse Wiseman stretches her kick.

D

o we really have that much stress in our
lives that at the end of the day we need to
punch and kick something?
The answer must be yes, because area
gyms are filled with people ages 16-60 who are
doing it:
It's called cardio boxing, kick boxing or, since a
famous late-night infomercial, Tae-Bo.
"All three forms of exercise are variations of the
same theme," says Lena Agree, fitness instructor at
the Franklin Fitness and Racquet Club in
Southfield. It's a workout that combines aerobics,
body toning and martial arts. It's dancing and
shadow kick boxing to music."
This crossover between martial arts and aero-
bics promises to improve cardiovascular fitness,
reduce stress, improve strength and muscle tone,
and provide greater self-confidence.
While you are getting into shape firming, toning, los-
ing body fat and increasing endurance, you will also learn
basic martial arts techniques — kicking and punching.

"The marketing of the infomercial by martial
arts champion Billy Blanks has definitely gotten
this craze into high gear," says Kevin Todoroff,
director of martial arts at the Sports Club of
West Bloomfield. "For most, it is enticing and
uplifting watching the sweaty athletes and
celebrities get their bodies into awesome shape.
It's simply the rage, and the workout people
want.
Ken Levy's Boxing Club in West Bloomfield
stresses the importance of learning and under-
standing the basic skills and moves before start-
ing. "For example," says Levy, "if you just
jump into a program and imitate the instruc-
tor's kicks without proper knowledge of the
moves, you have a good chance of injury. If
not instructed accurately, motions such as
twisting your torso to do an upper body
punch can irritate the back.
"By focusing on the movements and concentrat-
ing on the muscles being used, one can achieve optimal
results. When executed properly, this workout not only
reduces stress, it connects the body and the mind," he
says.

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