Danny Sullivan's Real Kickboxing Bag Workout - A Review
By Laura M. Turner

What do you get when you add a highly credentialed kick-boxing veteran, a bit of motivation and a handful of easy to use exercise equipment that fits neatly into the comfort of your own home?  The answer: a high gear, kickin' great workout! If you've been trying to lose that extra ten pounds in a hurry, or are looking for a fun, new way to stay fit, Danny Sullivan (of Orange County Kickboxing fame) has got the answer for you.  In his 4-set DVD series you will draw from an arsenal of easy to learn moves that will help you kick and tone your way to fitness!

Sullivan, discouraged by the fitness industry's "kickboxing classes" (of which he's named "little more than aerobics classes with kicks and punches"), used his passion for martial arts to up the ante. He's poured in his 20 years of experience (including extensive training with guru Dan Inosanto, famous disciple of Bruce Lee) into a program he designed himself. It's like having a personal kickboxing expert in your own home!  

What's more: It took Sullivan 5 years to perfect and develop this authentic Muay Thai inspired workout. Yet, I'm sure most who've tried it will tell you it was worth the wait. One Sullivan student notes she's lost over 60 pounds in less than 10 months - hey, that's good enough for me! And after giving it a go myself, I can tell you, the 5 workouts on 4 DVD's gave me a run for my money.  Here's just a small part of what you can expect: 

Round One: Gather Your Equipment & Learn The Basics

At Sullivan's suggestion, you'll need a few simple pieces of equipment: free standing bag, hand wraps, gloves, and jump rope (sold separately). In my mind (as a kickboxing neophyte) I'd graduate to these after ample time experimenting with the moves. I also noted Sullivan's early disclaimer: drink lots of water (I needed it!). Sullivan, as well, provides a great tutorial on methods of punching, hand safety and protection.

Next up, a warm up and stretches as well as a breakdown of each basic move needed for the entire program.  These include a variety of arm punches, leg kicks and simple stances (yes, I can do this!). Another positive: the in depth discussion of safe body mechanics.  Later, I advanced to the basic combinations using each movement.  These quickly progressed to longer choreographed drills and "blitzes" (just like they sound - quick, kick-your-butt bursts: be sure to insert image of nemesis, here).  In the end, the program closes with both a cool down and ab work. 

Round Two: Getting Up To Speed - Adding Individuality And Variety

Once I felt the basics were accomplished, I moved ahead to the more advanced exercise programs.  These Sullivan designed around the same simple system: combination "rounds" of basic moves, as well as kick-butt anaerobic "blitzes." As you, too, progress through the series, you'll find Sullivan teaches ways to add variety, challenge and individuality.  This, all while having a great time and burning a serious 800 calories an hour! 

Sullivan's Program Is A Real Knock Out!

Although I'm still preparing to move past "air kicking" to the heavy duty business of real kickboxing (I'm still at work on perfecting my stances), I have every ambition to do so: I've already noticed changes in my body and I love the potential.  With this said: Here's my three personal favorite reasons to try the Danny Sullivan Real Kickboxing Bag Workout:

#1) - It's Fresh - If you've been working out for awhile, you'll agree that fitness routines can get boring.  Sullivan's program shakes up the ho-hum workout, giving you a way to burn calories and fat, fast.  There is also endless ways to progress and individualize your workout to meet your specific fitness needs.

#2 - It's Fun - Since I've been aiming to lose an extra 10 pounds that have been hanging around, I like that I have the ability to burn up to 800 calories per session in the comfort of my own home.  If you are anything like me, you are always looking for a workout that is accessible, exciting and nets desirable results. Sullivan has it covered.

#3 - It Works - Advantages to "normal" cardio workouts: simple physiology. As you grow and progress your body can only improve in its cardiovascular endurance and optimum fat burning.  Here you build endurance and strength all in one workout.

As the weather changes from summer to fall - begin your training now and progress through the winter (my plan). You'll be in fighting shape, just in time for spring!

Sullivan's Recommended Workout Schedule: For best results, choose one workout three times each week.

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About Danny Sullivan And The Real Kickboxing Bag Workout:
The innovative at-home workout kit was developed in the heart of "the real O.C." of Southern California by Danny Sullivan, a USC Business School graduate, surf-loving, kickboxing veteran protégé of the legendary Dan Inosanto - the famous disciple of Bruce Lee.  Sullivan is a nationally certified personal fitness trainer and a highly credentialed martial arts instructor who built the most popular kickboxing gym in Southern California.  The 4-disc DVD set guides students through drills, combinations and techniques performed with a punching bag, boxing gloves, hand wraps, and a jump rope, burning up to 800 calories in just 1 hour!  The next generation in "do-it-yourself" fitness, Sullivan's revolutionary bag-pounding, fat-burning, muscle-building gauntlet is tailored for any level of fitness and leaves students exhilarated, strong and above all, smiling.  To learn more visit: www.realkickboxing.com


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Laura M. Turner is a health journalist, author and net-preneur. She hosts:
Beauty & Body Online: (http://www.beauty-and-body.com) Your Home
For Natural Health, Wellness & Creative Abundance. Visit:
www.new-body-news.com to sign up for her free eZine: The New Body News
and Wellness Letter.

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Editor's Note: Always check with your healthcare provider before embarking on any new exercise program.