Ms. Merchant, the HealthCorps Coordinator at Ada High, has created a weekly kickboxing class for the students and faculty of AHS.

Contrary to initial speculation, this class does not involve fighting others.  It’s a cardio workout. However, the lack of physical contact does not mean the class isn’t a strenuous workout. It is just like any sport; sweat, weariness, and afterwards, a very, very sore feeling.

Ms. Merchant had previously started a kickboxing class at East Central University and decided to duplicate its success at AHS.

Cardio kickboxing helps get the heart rate up more and works on  endurance, while regular kickboxing focuses on just knocking out the other fighter. The heath benefits of Ms. Merchant’s kickboxing class include: the increase in muscles, endurance, heart, balance, and coordination.

“COME TO KICKBOXING! IT’S A LOT OF FUN, AND YOU SWEAT A LOT,” says Ms. Merchant.