Jab, kick, punch, upper cut!…jab, kick, punch, upper cut! These were the words that were ingrained into my head after taking a class at Beatbox Fitness taught by Ailin, CEO and founder, and pro kickboxer Beth Chiafair. Beatbox Fitness is a 50 minute full body cardio kickboxing class that combines martial arts, kickboxing moves and high intensity strength and interval training. No equipment or gloves are required. You use your body weight to complete the exercises while focusing on the proper form. If you’re used to taking kickboxing classes at chain gyms be prepared to sweat your heart out while listening to the up-beat sounds of the live in-class DJ.
From the beginning of the class Ailin, started the class off with a heart pounding warm up that consisted of jumps, arm work and squats. She then lead us into a high intensity sequence of jabs, kicks, punches, lunges, jumps, turns and squats that focused on the core and hips while concentrating on proper form. Every part of my skin drenched with sweat. There was no need to wipe it away because each wipe was as if I’ve never wiped any off. The class ended with strength training and core floor work followed by light stretches. You know a class is good when you become sore in places you didnt know muscles exists. Although you’ll leave the class feeling empowered, determined and ready to conquer the world, your muscles will be ridiculously sore the next morning.
(Single classes are $18)
Pearl Studios
519 8th avenue between 35th and 36th street
12th floor
