Janis Saffell Hardcore Kickbox Circuit

[HelenJeannette]

Wal-mart has weighted gloves for cheap. I really like them because during strength work for any tape, I can use them to add three pounds per hand. They've really helped me step up my bench presses.

I just did this workout today. I love it. Time flies - it's one tape that I wish were longer. The aikido abs are fun, too. It's almost like pilates rollovers except done fast and martial arts style.

[actionwoman]

How much should they weigh? I've seen them from .5 to 3 lbs. What does everyone here usually use?

thanks,
Amy

[Mindi]

thanks hedygs and HelenJeannette, for the advice on weighted gloves v. light dumbells

. I'll check out Wallyworld next time I'm close to one and see if I can't pick up a set.

actionwoman, can't speak for anyone else, but I imagine I'll start w/3lbs.

[fuzzie]

Amy,
At the beginning of the workout Janis recommends that women wear 16-oz gloves (32-oz for men). They DO make a difference!

[hedygs]

I have both the 1 lb and the 2 lb handweights. Mindi, I did have a 3 lb pair, tried them once and promptly returned them. They were just too heavy to use and keep good form while punching. I felt twinges in my elbow when I used them for any kind of rapid punching. I wouldn't go higher then 2 lbers.

Just for background I consider myself an advanced kickboxer. I currently have a black belt in karate so I have a fairly good background on correct punching and kicking form.

I found my handweights at Target for a reasonable price.

[actionwoman]

So you're talking 1 and 2lb per hand, correct? (not .5 & 1 lb per hand).

thanks again,
Amy

[hedygs]

Yes Amy. 1 or 2 lb each hand.

[Mindi]

OOH thanks for the tip hedygs!

I've had tendonitis in one elbow..don't need to aggravate it w/too heavy a weight. I'll stick w/one-two's, as well!

[Kathryn]

I use 1# gloves, and I worked up to using them for an entire workout.

I'm wary about moving to 2# weights, it just seems like too much of a leap. 2# is a very light weight for doing weight training moves, but once you add in the speed of movement, there's quite a bit more stress on the elbows and shoulders. You know, the old E = MC2 (energy = mass times speed squared, more or less). If I were to go up to 2#, I think I'd use the same system I did going to 1#: I'd start the workout with my regular weight (previously none, now 1#) then after I felt warmed up, I'd use the 2# weights for a few minutes, then drop back down to the previous weight (or no weight, if I felt any discomfort at all besides "good" muscle discomfort). I wish they had increments of .25 pounds or .5 pounds.

[Mindi]

How about wrist weights? Probably a bad idea too, eh?