If you’re in the market for a new pair of boxing gloves for cardio kickboxing class, you’ve come to the right place. Chances are that you’ve just joined a cardio kickboxing gym, or you’re thinking about it, either way we think it’s a great decision. Cardio kickboxing is one of the best workouts you can do. Not only will it get you in great shape, but it also teaches you great self-defense techniques that you can use in the real world!
Not only are you going to want workout clothes that are able to be comfortable in sweat, but you’re also going to want boxing gloves that do the same.
What is Cardio Kickboxing?
Cardio kickboxing is normally operated like a group fitness class that combines not only martial art techniques, but also a fast-paced cardio that will be sure to be intense! This type of high-energy workout isn’t for the faint of heart, and chances are you’re going to sweat a lot. Cardio kickboxing not only challenges beginners, but even elite athletes struggle! You’ll burn calories as you build lean muscle with this fun and challenging workout.
An experienced instructor normally leads cardio kickboxing class by demonstrating kickboxing and boxing movements of punches, kicks, and knee strikes. These are all great moves because they work nearly every muscle of your body, plus it doesn’t feel bland like a normal gym workout. The best part about cardio kickboxing is that no one is judging you at all, everything is there for the same thing: to become badasses!
The best thing about cardio kickboxing class is that you’re learning useful self-defense tools while losing weight and feeling great. The music that is played during kickboxing class will also put you in the mood to punch and kick the heavy bag. Cardio kickboxing has the ability to completely change peoples lives because it’s an amazing cardio vascular workout that is extremely motivating. Build stamina and improve coordination and flexibility from this amazing workout.
What to Expect from a Cardio Kickboxing Class
Normally in the beginning of class you’ll do a warmup, this will involve either jumping jacks or jumping rope. Normally a kickboxing instructor will also incorporate core exercises such as crunches and planking (intense). Don’t be surprised if you stop punching the bag and go right into jumping squats or push-ups. Typically cardio kickboxing classes are 30 minutes to an hour long depending on the class and the gym.
Cardio kickboxing combinations are a mix of punches like:
- Jabs
- Crosses
- Hooks
- Uppercuts
These are actually great Boxing techniques that take many years to master. Your cardio kickboxing instructor will be experience in all forms of boxing techniques.
Cardio kickboxing lower body movements include:
- Knee strikes
- Front kicks
- Roundhouse kicks
- Low kicks
These are great Muay Thai and Kickboxing techniques that take years to master. These type of movements are really energy draining and are so great for losing weight and feeling great.
You must remember this is a intense cardio activity first and a kickboxing class second. The main goal is to burn as many calories as possible without making you bored of the same old routine. A great cardio kickboxing instructor will be able to keep the class engaging and unique no matter how many times you train. Cardio kickboxing can burn as many as 500 calories per hour.
At a cardio kickboxing class, you should expect a full body workout that engages every muscle group in your body. A great cardio kickboxing class will have a strong focus on your core. The rapid movements in cardio kickboxing also improve flexibility, coordination, and balance. Striking the bag hundreds of times will also improve your ability to defend yourself in a real life situation and will also improve your reflexes greatly. We’re not saying you’ll be a certified professional martial artist, however you’ll be a bad ass for sure.
Prepare for your First Class
We actually went in-depth with this in our ‘How to lose weight with MMA‘ article. The perfect gym may be hard to find, but once you find it you’ll feel on top of the world. It all comes down to what YOU want in a gym.
Do you value smaller class sizes?
Does the instructor work well with you?
Do they offer classes that work around your schedule?
Don’t be afraid to use google or ask around, this is an important life decision to make. Once you decided on the gym, you need to prepare for your first class!
For your first cardio kickboxing class, do the following:
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, dress as you would for any normal workout session.
- Bring water and a towel to dry off, maybe even a change of clothes.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for your first class so that you can introduce yourself to the instructor.
- Bring boxing gloves (we talk about the best boxing gloves for cardio kickboxing below)
Best Boxing Gloves for Cardio Kickboxing
Guru’s Choice – Century Strive Washable Gloves – Guru Score: 9.5/10
Pros:
– Machine washable
– Designed for Women's narrow hands
– Over 10 different designs to choose from
– Fantastic return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Only one size available
Guru Score: 9.5/10
The Century Strive Washable Boxing Gloves are my favorite gloves on this list for obvious reasons. It’s such an advantage to be able to wash your gloves after each use, no more stinky gloves! I highly recommend these gloves for anyone who trains cardio kickboxing, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional. I personally have tried these gloves on because some of my clients use them, and I have to say they’re super comfortable and have a sleek design.
Just because you worked up a sweat in your last workout, you shouldn’t suffer through sweaty, stinky gloves the next time you train. Train fresh with Strive Cardio Kickboxing Gloves. These are the Guru’s choice because they meet every requirement for a good boxing glove, they come in over 10 different colors and styles so that everyone can have their unique pair.
To purchase these gloves directly from Century, click here: Century Strive Washable Boxing Gloves
Best Value – Everlast Elite Boxing Gloves – Guru Score: 9/10
Pros:
– Premium leather design
– Mesh palm for breathability
– 4 different colors to choose from
– Excellent return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Only two sizes available
Guru Score: 9/10
The Everlast Elite boxing gloves come at an excellent value which is why they’re number 2 on our list. With a few styles to choose from you’ll be able to find the pair that you desire. Everlast is a very reputable brand in boxing and has been around for decades. These gloves have a premium leather design so you know they are as durable as they come. The mesh palm allows for extended training times because they’re so breathable!
I recommend the Everlast Elite boxing gloves for people who are serious about their kickboxing training. These gloves are great for both cardio kickboxing and traditional boxing classes. There are only a few sizes available so be sure to look at the sizing chart before you purchase.
Ringside Pro Style Boxing Gloves – Guru Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
– Molded protective foam
– Easy to clean synthetic leather
– Over 5 different styles to choose from
– Great return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Two sizes available
Guru Score: 8.5/10
Get in shape one punch at a time with the comprehensive protection offered by the Ringside Pro-Style Training Gloves. MPF (Molded Protective Foam) Technology is superior to layered-foam padding systems for increased protection. Pre-curved, molded hand compartment provides a more natural fit for increased comfort. Made of synthetic, leather-like material that is durable and easy to clean. Full wrap around, hook & loop closure.
I love these gloves because Ringside is another brand that is super reputable in the boxing industry. They have been around for decades producing both Men’s and Women’s boxing gloves. I have trained with these gloves numerous of times on the heavy bag and they have done great, I highly recommend these gloves for cardio kickboxing.
Sanabul Training Gloves – Guru Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
– Multi purpose training gloves
– Heavy gel padding for protection
– 4 different colors to choose from
– Amazing return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Not a traditional boxing glove
Guru Score: 8.5/10
The Sanabul Paw training gloves are great for multi-purpose training. These gloves can be used for cardio kickboxing, MMA, grappling, nearly anything. The reason I included these gloves is because not every cardio kickboxing class is going to require big and bulky boxing gloves. These are a great second pair of gloves to own for lighter sessions that involve clinching of the heavy bag.
Not only are these gloves great for all around training, they’re also great for hybrid training that involves push-ups and pull-ups. You don’t want to have to always take off your gloves when you’re in a training session, these gloves allow for you to easily transition from hitting the bag into push-ups or pull-ups. I highly recommend these gloves as a second option to your boxing gloves.
Everlast Training Gloves – Guru Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
– Premium leather construct
– Superior wrist protection
– Everdri technology keeps gloves dry
– Great return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Only one color
Guru Score: 8.5/10
These gloves are the training version of the Everlast Elite boxing gloves that we discussed earlier. The Everlast training gloves are great for multi-purpose training. They can be used for nearly any type of training and come in a great hot pink color. They’re made of premium leather construct that makes these gloves durable. The superior wrist protect is what sets these gloves apart from the competition.
My favorite thing about these gloves is the ‘Everdri’ technology. Everdri technology makes sure your gloves stay dry and fresh at all times, no matter how much you sweat. This is a very useful design to have that many gloves just don’t get right. The only bad thing about these gloves is that they only come in one color, so if you don’t like pink these gloves probably aren’t for you.
Nayoya Weighted Gloves – Guru Score: 9/10
Pros:
– One pound weighted gloves
– One size fits all
– Extremely comfortable
– Great return policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Only one color choice
Guru Score: 9/10
The Nayoya Weighted Gloves weigh 1 pound per glove and are used to add resistance to any workout, walking routine, or exercise regimen. These gloves will improve hand speed, shoulder strength, endurance, coordination and muscle tone. They are easy to take on and off and fasten with a secure closure. These gloves provide added resistance while cushioning your hands. The Nayoya gloves are absolutely amazing for cardio kickboxing classes! These gloves are NOT meant for hitting the bag with, only for shadow cardio boxing.
These Weighted Gloves will not slide back and forth to disrupt your activity of choice. They will remain stable on your hands so that you can focus on your walk or exercise routine. Made of luxurious ‘neoprene’ padding for the comfort you need. Great for cardio kickboxing, boxing, walking, and other aerobic activities. These gloves tones and strengthens your arms and shoulders, while increasing endurance and hand eye coordination.
The best thing about these gloves is they’re also useful for outside of cardio kickboxing class! You can wear these weighted gloves while walking your dog as they will not interfere with the leash. You can also easily talk on your cell phone while wearing these weighted gloves. Basically you can do anything while you wear your Nayoya Weighted Gloves.
Empower Weighted Gloves – Guru Score: 8.5/10
- HANDS-FREE RESISTANCE: Women's weighted gloves add hands-free resistance to physical activities, including kickboxing, Piloxing, MMA training, cardio workouts, and walking
- BREATHABLE DESIGN: 4-finger open-palm design with adjustable hook-and-loop wrist closure lets your hands breathe and makes it easy to carry a water bottle, phone, leash, or anything else you need
- COMFORTABLE TO WEAR: Weight is evenly distributed on the back of your hand and stays put while you exercise
- MADE TO LAST: Sand-filled weighted gloves made from stretchy neoprene fabric with reinforced double stitching
- COMPLETE SET: Includes two 1-pound weighted gloves for women and boxing-inspired workout guide
Increase your cardio training and improve stamina with the Empower weighted gloves. These gloves are both comfortable and versatile. Whether you’re walking, jogging, running, kickboxing or sparring, these weighted gloves will add intensity to your cardio workout. These gloves do a great job of adding tension in your arms, which over time will improve endurance.
The combination of strength training and cardio assists in efficiently losing fat while gaining lean muscle, which results in burning more calories in a shorter amount of time. I love these gloves for my warm-up while I jumprope, shadow box, and do cardio kickboxing exercises. These gloves are NOT for hitting the heavy bag with.
Final Thoughts
Cardio kickboxing has the ability to change your life. It’s important to take the equipment you use everyday seriously. Not only from a performance standpoint, but also from a health standpoint. You want gloves that will be durable and protect your hands and wrists. Every single pair of gloves on this list are from reputable brands and have great reviews, however you should always do your due-diligence before buying. I wish you the best on your martial arts journey, and I hope that you have found the perfect pair of gloves for cardio kickboxing!
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