Coming home after my freshman year of college, I knew I needed to do something to get rid of that not-quite freshman 15 that I desperately tried not to gain throughout the year. I felt out of shape and to be quite honest, kind of sad about how much of my athletic ability had gone away after a life time of playing soccer at least three times a week. Knowing myself, I knew I needed to take some sort of class for motivation and to force me to work out. When I first went to CKO Kickboxing, the kickboxing gym in my town, I was hesitant. But after a summer of working out, I really believe everyone should try kickboxing and here is why:

1. It's not just for Victoria's Secret Models

When I first heard of kickboxing as a real option for exercising, I immediately thought of all the models I have heard in interviews, on T.V., or during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show who have sworn up and down that kickboxing is truly the best workout and what gives them their skinny yet toned bodies. And I don't know about you, but I am no Victoria's Secret Model and worried that kickboxing wouldn't be the right fit for me. However, after only one session, I felt comfortable and confident that anyone who wants to do kickboxing, can do kickboxing.

2. It teaches self-defense

Prior to taking kickboxing, I would have had no idea what to do if I was attacked besides to scream, kick and hope for the best. After learning a variety of punches, kicks, and elbow and knee strikes, I feel more confident than ever. Being a girl, you are placed in compromising situations every time you walk alone or are in the dark. It makes me feel a little better knowing that, God forbid, I am attacked, I will have the tools to defend myself.

3. Offers a full body workout

Your endurance is built from the constant movement when punching and kicking the bags, jumping jacks and a variety of other movements, while your core, thighs, glutes, and arms are worked with planks, squats, burpees, crunches, sit ups and a mix of exercises I didn't even know existed until I began these classes. While torturous (at least for me) during the class, the benefits at the end outweighs the pain during.

4. You SWEAT

This may seem like a weird one, but hear me out. If you are like me, you measure how great of a workout you are getting by the amount that you sweat. While I know this isn't the most accurate gauge of a workout and even if you don't sweat that much that doesn't mean you aren't working hard, blah, blah, blah, but for me it is an important indicator that lets me know that I am pushing myself. And let me tell you... you will sweat like you will not believe during each class. While you may feel exhausted and slightly gross at the end, you'll be proud of what you have accomplished in just an hour.

5. You'll get stronger in mind and body

I know this is sort of like the other points, but I think it is important enough to repeat and emphasize. Prior to kickboxing, I had zero upper body strength to the point where it was embarrassing. While I am still not the strongest person in the world, I at least don't feel as embarrassed as I did before, since I know I have gained muscle through the workouts. I have gotten back in shape in a different way than before and I feel good going back to school. Most importantly, I am confident in my ability to protect myself and kickboxing has given me a peace of mind that I didn't even know I needed.

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In the end, I know kickboxing isn't the workout for everyone, but I really do believe it is something worth trying if you feel in a rut and need something new. Every class is different and challenging and the instructors motivate you to do your very best each class. Their constant encouragement and reminders of why you are there helped me feel better about myself, and I am confident it can do the same for you.