Want to boot your stress to the curb? Wish you could have a sculpted physique? You can have it all with cardio kickboxing, the new exercise craze that offers stress-busting benefits and incredible physical results.

Even red-carpet lean machines have joined the millions of people around the world who swear by cardio kickboxing. Magic Johnson, Pamela Anderson, Shaqille O'Neal, and Carmen Electra are all hooked on cardio kickboxing. There are many forms of this type of intense workout, including the hugely popular Tae Bo exercise routines.

If you've seen cardio kickboxing in action, you might think that such a thankless workout can only result in pain, injury, exhaustion, and a bucketful of sweat. And, you might be right. But if you can endure the ache and exhaustion, you will see incredible body-chiseling results.

Cardio kickboxing combines the powerful benefits of aerobic exercise with boxing and martial arts movements. The dance-like grace and high energy of an aerobics class is blended with the thrill of martial arts and the tough-as-nails action of boxing. The result is a fun and beneficial form of exercise. Cardio kickboxing tones and strengthens the muscles, but that's not all; it can also sharpen your reflexes while increasing balance, speed, flexibility and coordination.

Cardio kickboxing is also an excellent stress reliever. When you feel that the weight of the world is on your shoulders or you just can't take the pressures of your professional or family life, take some time out and kick your life up a notch. You deserve to take a healthy break, and cardio kickboxing is a fun alternative to your regular boring exercise routines.

Cardio kickboxing is hard work, but it will pay off. In just one hour you can burn up to 1,000 calories. If you constantly hold in your bulging tummy and cover up your saggy arms and dimpled thighs, you'd be surprised at how quickly cardio kickboxing can help you burn through that fat.

As with all exercise programs, there are potential downfalls to cardio kickboxing. You need to know that there is a real potential of serious injury with a workout of this intensity. Don't try cardio kickboxing until you understand how to perform all of the moves properly. Speak with your doctor or health care provider before you get started, especially if you've ever had orthopedic surgery or suffer with any health problems.

Once your doctor has given you the go-ahead, it's time to find a qualified cardio kickboxing instructor. Be sure that your instructor has certification through a qualified fitness organization. When you and your instructor are ready to being, start exercising at least three times a week, or as advised by your exercise team.

If you want to be successful in cardio kickboxing, you need to have the right attitude. Don't lose faith if you don't immediately sculpt a butt like Carmen Electra or start kicking butt like Jackie Chan. Success takes time and effort, but you'll get there.

Cardio kickboxing is exercise, dedication, motivation, commitment, and seriously hard work. No other form of exercise or martial arts can give the same benefits that you will achieve through cardio kickboxing. Losing fat, shaping up, toning muscles, burning calories, regulating the heart, busting out of monotonous exercise routines and gaining the skills and confidence to defend yourself. That's one serious package. It's no wonder that so many people, including the world's hottest celebrities and most powerful athletes, have made cardio kickboxing their exercise of choice.

Don't shy away from the hard work. Embrace the power, focus on the results and try cardio kickboxing. It can feel great when you sweat by the bucket, because you're seeing your body change and feeling your muscles grow. Try it. Stretch and jump. Box a little harder and kick a little higher. Cardio kickboxing gives you the confidence, health and energy you need to bring out your hidden dynamo.

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Mabel Dugmore contributes articles to a variety of Internet magazines, on healthy body and doula subjects.