One popular form of exercise being practiced these days is known as aerobic or cardio kickboxing. This method combines elements of boxing, martial arts and aerobics in order to provide an overall physical toning and workout. Unlike other variations of kickboxing, cardio kickboxing has no physical contact between participants. It’s simply a cardiovascular workout done for the many benefits it provides.

Cardio kickboxing classes normally begin with a period of 10-15 minutes of warm-up exercises. These may include stretching and traditional exercises such as push-ups or jumping jacks, followed by a 30-minute kickboxing session including such movements as kicks, knee strikes and punches. There are some instructors who may use various pieces of equipment such as punching bags or jump ropes to change things up.

After this intense period of the workout, a period lasting at least 5 minutes should be devoted to cooling down, and then followed by at least 10 minutes of stretching and muscle conditioning. Stretching is a very important step, especially for beginners. The chances of straining or pulling muscles with this type of workout are high. Proper stretching helps relax muscles and prevent potentially serious injuries.

For people who prefer to work out at home, there are ample DVDs and videos available for in-home instruction. Here are a few moves that you can try at home:

* Roundhouse kick: Stand with the right side of your body facing an imaginary target. With knees bent and feet shoulder width apart, lift your right knee, pointing it just slightly to the right of the target. Pivot your body toward the same direction. Kick with your right leg as if you were aiming at the target. Repeat with your other leg.

* Front kick: Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Bend your knees slightly, pulling your right knee up toward your chest. Point your knee in the direction of the imaginary target. Kick out with the ball of your foot. Repeat with your other leg.

* Side kick: Start with the right side of your body facing the target. Pull your right knee up toward your left shoulder, bending your knees slightly as you kick in the direction of the target. The outside of your foot or heel should be the part that would hit the target. Repeat with your other leg.

Besides keeping your body fit, kickboxing has many other benefits. According to a study by the ACE, itís possible for you to burn anywhere from 300 to 450 calories an hour with kickboxing!

Kickboxing is also a fantastic method for reducing and relieving stress. Its rigorous workout of controlled punching and kicking movements, carried out with the amount of discipline and skill demanded for any martial arts training, can do wonders for alleviating feelings of frustration and anger. Practicing kickboxing moves may also provide assistance in the improvement of  balance, flexibility, co-ordination, and endurance.

With the added benefit of learning self-defense moves, kickboxing is an all-inclusive routine all in one package. Many kickboxing fans are known to have said the sport not only makes them feel healthier, but more empowered and confident as well.

So get out there and jab, punch, and kick your way to safety and physical fitness. As always, never begin a new exercise regimen without first obtaining the approval of your family physician.

Exercising is one of the most important things that you can do for your health. By simply following a workout routine, you can keep yourself fit and in shape.

However, one of the reasons that people end up not following their fitness routines is due to boredom.

It is easy to get bored when you try to follow the same workout routine all the time. It is important to change up your workout routine often with boredom-free exercises.

Here are five  top exercises to put into your workout routine in order to keep the boredom blues away.

Spinning Classes

When you poke your head into a spinning class, you will see rows and rows of stationary bikes. You may begin to think that this will just be your usual bike ride. Think again. A spinning class is like a bike ride turned on its head. A spinning class will leave you exhausted and wanting more.

Ice Skating

Gliding on the ice on a pair of skates is an exercise in control and balance as well as a great calorie burn. It takes many muscles to keep you upright on the thin blade of a pair of ice skates. So lace up and get going, and watch your legs, butt and abs all tighten.

Boxing, Kick Boxing

Have you ever watched a boxing match and wondered how those guys stay in such great shape? Boxing is a great workout for your upper body and your legs. The movements of your legs as you lean to punch the bag will get you toned in no time. You can begin by using a punching bag to help you get into shape. As you learn more about boxing, you can even move on to sparring with partners. You will have a solid core in no time, and can also improve lower body strength with kickboxing.

Swimming

There is a reason why swimmers have such toned bodies. Swimming is a sport that works every muscle group as you go through your paces. This exercise is one that can be done by people at any level of fitness. Jump in the water and swim your way to a healthy body with little risk of stress on your joints or injury.

Belly Dancing

Dancing of any type is known to burn calories. One of the best forms of dancing to include in your workout regimen is belly dancing. Belly dancing is a type of dance that focuses on isolating and using your stomach muscles to move your body. On top of the great cardio workout that you get from dancing, belly dancing works stomach muscles that may not get used too often.

It is a great way to practice control of many muscles, firm your legs and butt, and feel sexy and not too sweaty at the same time. Try the Shimmy program on FIT TV (by the same company that did Namaste Yoga, another great workout you might want to try.)

Workouts do not need to be tedious. There are many fun and exciting exercises that you can incorporate into your workout routine.

Many of these exercises can be found in the fun activities that you see every day. These top five boredom free-exercises are just the tip of the iceberg from what is available to you if you open your mind, and perhaps even join Netflix, which has hundreds of DVDs you can rent, so you can try before you buy, or mix it up and change it so you keep working out without ever getting bored.