Pow! Bam! Zonk! Kickboxing provides a workout that packs a punch, a kick and a lot of health and fitness benefits.

Here's a combination of boxing, martial arts and aerobics. You get a full-body workout that increases balance, strength, flexibility and endurance.

Kickboxing classes are less formal than traditional martial arts classes. Moves include kicks and punches - some classes also include jumping rope, punching a heavy bag or a series of shadowboxing drills.

For those who get their kicks from kicking up their heels in class and not from getting kicked, cardio kickboxing programs provide a safer alternative .

• What could be better than punching or kicking something to relieve stress?
  
  
• Kickboxing provides a great head-to-toe cardio and calorie-burning workout.
  
  
• You'll also learn some self-defense, balance, coordination, speed and agility.
  
  
• And hey, it's fun.
  

• Injuries are fairly common, especially for beginners who haven't yet learned the proper delivery of quick punches and kicks.
  
  
• Many beginning exercisers will find this type of workout too strenuous.
  
  
• If you don't click with the instructor or classmates, the fun factor can fizzle fast.