With the advent of cage fighting which used to be known as simply Ultimate fighting, martial arts memberships have gone up dramatically. More and more these days people are turning away from boxing and going to kick boxing and martial arts competitions for real entertainment. Micheal Buffer even announces at major ultimate fighting championship lending a definite sense of legitimacy to the whole thing. I mean if Michael Buffer is there it must be legit right? That's supposed to be a little joke!

Anyways, aside from it being the current fad there are reason you may want to consider adding kick boxing to your daily work out. Here are some reasons why.

1. Kick boxing is a great cardiovascular workout! It's not just breaking boards and kicking people (and getting kicked!) it's about being in shape. When you consider all of the different things you practice when you are a student of kick boxing it's no wonder you get in shape in a hurry. Just practicing your combinations and moves alone will work up a sweat. Never mind the jump rope and jogging that goes along with any serious kick boxing training. And if you've never worked out on a heavy punching bag you are in for a treat. It's the most fun exercise of all.

2. You will build muscle and lose fat. What better way to end up with a nicely toned sculpted body than to get into a serious kick boxing routine. With kick boxing you don't lift heavy weights but instead focus on endurance training. This is good for toning up your muscles. If you are 30 or over and your body is starting to take on a new and ugly shape all on its own then the high endurance training that goes along with kick boxing might be just what the babes at the beach ordered. You DO want to look good on the beach right?

3. Kick boxing is inexpensive. It really doesn't cost a whole lot to sign up for kick boxing classes. It's no more expensive than guitar lessons and certainly less expensive than the crazy prices folks are willing to pay for tennis lessons.

4. It's great of course for the most obvious reason -self defense! It is kick boxing after all. I don't recommend kick boxing classes for the sole purpose of being able to kick but as I find that whole notion to be obnoxious. But it is self defense and that can always be handy. Not to mention the confidence that comes along with being in shape and knowing that you can handle yourself.

5. You can meet nice girls (or guys if you are a lady) at a kick boxing class! Think about it. The kind of people you meet a such places are into looking good and taking care of their bodies. Woman who kick box are not manly or weird at all. It's great physical fitness for them too. In fact, lots of woman workout with kick boxing aerobics because well, it is a great work out.

So there are many reasons to take up the wonderful art of kick boxing. I find the history of martial arts interesting in itself. The way that many of the fighting techniques are based on animal observation is fascinating in itself...but there you go, I'm a total kick boxing nut in the first place.

So get out there and lose that belly!