Last week was UBC Recreation’s Free Week, a week where any UBC students, UBC Faculty & Staff or community member can sign up for FREE for a variety of fitness classes. As a UBC Student who had never participated in a fitness class or Free Week, I signed up for a kickboxing class. Why not? Most of the time when it comes to athletics or recreation I tend to feel a bit insecure because I didn’t grow up playing any sports, but I felt like trying something new. Here’s my honest review:
To be completely transparent I didn’t know what kickboxing was, but to my surprise, it turned out to be quite literally what the name suggests: kicking and boxing. After warming up, the instructor explained kickboxing and taught us the kickboxing stance. Throughout the class, we switched between boxing exercises and kicking exercises. We had boxing gloves and punch mitts so we mostly did exercises in pairs and took turns on who would punch and who would hold the mitts. No need to worry, no one got hurt!
(Instructor demonstrating how to punch)
In my class, it was me and a few other people who also hadn’t had previous experience with kickboxing so it was nice to learn together. I also didn’t feel intimidated because we had an instructor who’s there to teach and correct us. As soon as I got into the Dojo the other participants asked me my name and if I was participating in any other classes during Free Week. The instructor seemed very knowledgeable about kickboxing and other Martial Arts. When we were practicing in pairs, he would go around and instruct us on how to keep the stance or how to punch correctly. And it was funny, learning how to do the punch sequence while keeping the right stance. It was funny watching myself make mistakes and sharing laughs with other participants.
(Choose a partner and practice!)
The class was beginner level so I learned a few things. I was scared I would be overwhelmed by the end, but I wasn’t. The class also lasted one hour which felt like too little time to learn and exercise as much as I did, but it showed me that I could work out within just one hour and that I could fit it into my schedule. Although I’m a bit sore afterwards, I’m really happy I did it! I felt more energized after the class and I think this will be a good opportunity for me to get moving throughout the summer.
(Learning some sequences)
To whoever is reading this, whether you’re active or not like me, I would recommend you check out the fitness classes! During the summer, if you have a gym membership you have free access to the group fitness classes like Bootcamps, Yoga, Pilates and more. For those who tried something new last week and loved it, make sure to register to have that class weekly in the summer! And if you missed this free week, there will be another one in the fall!