Millions of people across the world, including red-carpet lean machines like Pamela Anderson, Magic Johnson, Shaqille O'Neal, and Carmen Electra, are hooked on cardio kickboxing. These intense workouts come in many forms, including the hugely popular Tae Bo exercise routines.

If you've ever watched a cardio kickboxing session, you may have been turned off by the level of intensity. You might think that it can only bring about pain, possible injury and a whole lot of sweat. That's probably right. But, if you can endure the initial ache and exhaustion, you'll soon be seeing those incredible body-chiseling results.

Cardio kickboxing combines aerobic exercise with boxing and martial arts movements. The grace and energy of an aerobics class blends with the thrill of martial arts and the action of boxing to create a fun and beneficial form of exercise. Cardio kickboxing not only tones the muscles and makes them stronger; it sharpens your reflexes while increasing your 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.

Without question, cardio kickboxing is hard work, but it definitely pays off. You can burn as many as 1,000 calories in a one-hour cardio kickboxing session. If you struggle to hold in your bulging tummy, or always covering your saggy arms and dimpled thighs, you can burn through that fat with a cardio kickboxing workout.

While there are countless benefits to a cardio kickboxing workout, there are also some downfalls to consider. The most important negative to keep in mind is the serious possibility of injury. You need to know how to complete the moves, and you must be careful to protect yourself from possible injuries. In order to get the greatest benefits, and avoid the potential dangers or cardio kickboxing, be sure to discuss the exercise program with your doctor or health practitioner. This is especially important if you suffer from health problems, or have undergone orthopedic surgery.

After you've met with your doctor and received the go-ahead, you'll need to find a qualified cardio kickboxing instructor. Look for certification through a qualified fitness organization. Once you and your instructor are ready to being, follow his or her lead and exercise at least three times a week, or as advised by your exercise team.

Being successful in any new challenge requires the right attitude. Don't set yourself up for disappointment, and be prepared to succeed. Of course, you won't leave your first cardio kickboxing class with a butt like Carmen Electra and you won't be kicking butt like Jackie Chan. Eventually, with time and effort, you will achieve success.

Cardio kickboxing is all about exercise, dedication, motivation, commitment and seriously hard work. There is no other single form of exercise or martial arts that offers the same benefits that you will achieve through cardio kickboxing. Beating stress, 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 your self. Cardio kickboxing is one serious package. No wonder that so many people, including the world's hottest celebrities and most powerful athletes, call 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.