Approach new fad carefully

     By Kim Springer
     View columnist
      Kickboxing remains one of the hottest workouts around, but like all other exercises, there are many safety issues to consider before adding this activity to your exercise program.
      Injuries from non-contact, martial arts-based workouts usually result from overuse or overtraining. Rather than a few dominant injuries, established instructors report a variety of mild concerns.
      Inflammation at the hip flexors is one concern. The injury is caused by repetitive kicking, meaning more than 10 consecutive kicks on the same leg.
      Tom Seabourne of Mount Pleasant, Texas, is a multi-certified presenter and two-time All-American in tae kwon do and is the current chairman of the injury prevention committee for the U.S. Taekwondo Union. Some of the frequent injuries Seabourne sees include back problems from hyperflexing and extending the spine, plantar fascitis from poor shoes and floor surfaces, shin complaints from ballistic bouncing and knee injuries from hyperextending.
      Another overuse injury that may result from martial arts-type workouts can be found in the shoulder. Many people "push" punches from the arm instead of the whole body.
      Since individual attention is difficult to receive in a packed classroom, the participant usually continues to use poor techniques each time they return to class. Ligament tears and strains from making quick, snapping motions at the knee or ankle during kicks are also a potential danger.
      Still, kickboxing continues to add variety to classes by including contact with both equipment and other participants or instructors.
      According to IDEA Fitness Edge, acute injuries are more common with equipment use. They include digital dislocations, abrasions and "jamming," sprains, strains and fractures of the wrist and ankle.
      To minimize risk, equipment should be introduced gradually. Start with soft foam kick pads and hand targets. Heavy emphasis should be placed on instructing students on proper technique and making clear the purpose of adding equipment to the class.
      Partner contact or instructor-participant contact is rarely found in kickboxing classes taught in local gyms. Seabourne agrees contact should not be allowed between participants, as it contradicts the martial arts commitment to perfect form and safety.
      The goal of most kickboxing classes is to engage the participants in a fun class that provides variety within a challenging workout. The problem that arises is in putting martial arts-based moves into a traditional aerobics class.
      There has not yet been any specific research linking music speed to injury rates. Speed, for now, comes down to a judgment issue based on experience. Music being sold to fitness instructors currently has the beat set for kickboxing at 130 to 140 beats per minute. It's clear music speed shouldn't control the tempo of the movements; that is the instructor's job.
      Kickboxing safety should play a part in your decision before jumping into this new fitness craze. Kickboxing does provide a great cardiovascular workout and when performed properly can enhance your physique.
      Use common sense when joining a class and work at your own level. Due to the intensity of these classes, many individuals overdo their first workout by trying to keep up with the regulars.
     
     Kim Springer and her husband, Mike, are certified personal trainers. They can be reached at 233-9442, by fax at 233-9446 or by e-mail at springtrain@ netscape.net.