You’ve probably heard about the CrossFit craze taking over America’s gyms. Maybe you’ve been thinking it may be the right kind of workout for you to pursue. In truth, CrossFit is probably the most intense style of workout available to the average athlete. A4 Fitness in West LA has some of the best CrossFit trainers around, and they’re bound to push you into the best shape of your life. So before you jump in too quickly, make sure to consider the benefits of a CrossFit workout regimen.

Shorter, more intense workouts.

CrossFit techniques are some of the most intense workouts available in the gym. Your daily workout (WOD) consists of a fast-paced regimen that often only takes about 15-20 minutes to execute. Because of the raw intensity – as well as the need to push yourself – after a couple of weeks, you will find yourself energized after completing these exercises.

Multidimensional, engaging exercises.

If you find yourself bored with your current workout routine, CrossFit may be right for you. The exercises involved in a CrossFit routine are designed to make you move around and push your body to its limits. You can expect to be throwing around weights, performing accelerated pull-ups, and using all sorts of cutting-edge exercise technology to perform the workouts. With these techniques, your body will not plateau, and it’s unlikely you’ll ever get disinterested in your new routine.

Target your weaknesses.

Some gym rats only want to make their muscles look good as a result of working out. “Glory muscles” are their main focus, and they ignore whatever weaknesses they may have. When members of the CrossFit community go to the gym, they are looking for these weaknesses first. The goal of a CrossFit workout is to make you flexible, fast and strong – by targeting weaknesses, CrossFit makes you more well-rounded.

Helps with joint mobility, burning calories, and cardiovascular conditioning.

CrossFit workouts are excellent for your health. They burn more calories per hour than almost any other type of workout. Because the workouts demand you push your body to its limit, you also benefit from a much more flexible body, from your core to the ends of your limbs. Finally, the accelerated movements function like a typical cardio workout, so they serve to keep your heart, lungs, and blood in great shape.

A supportive community.

The best part of joining CrossFit is the community. Everyone is willing to help support you on your CrossFit journey, offering suggestions and working out with you (if the WOD demands it).  The minute you step into a CrossFit box, you’re family. And here at A4 Fitness, we have some of the best members of the community in the Greater LA area.

Most everyone can benefit from a good CrossFit regimen. Even if you are completely new to the gym, come down to A4 Fitness, and watch a few CrossFit workouts for yourself. You’ll be surprised at how eager the CrossFit members are to tell you the benefits of their workouts. When you’re ready, give us a call, and we’ll set you up with the best trainers on the Westside of LA for your CrossFit needs.

Here at A4 Fitness, we pride ourselves on being one of the best martial arts studios you can find on the Los Angeles’ West Side. In addition to terrific personal trainers and Crossfit programs, we also offer training in the arts of Muay Thai. While many people want to get into Muay Thai, it’s important to know a few things before you sign up.

1.       Beginners are welcome.

It’s true: the experts in Muay Thai have spent years honing their craft, and their bodies reflect the hard work they have put into the art form. But don’t despair! There are warm-ups and conditioning drills involved, designed to prepare your body for the intense workout. The goal is to make you feel welcome, and to encourage you to do your best along the way. Our trainers take the time to make sure that you learn the exercises the right way from the start, and we work with you to improve at a pace you can handle.

2.       Observe other fighters.

Make sure that you watch other Muay Thai fighters training at A4 Fitness, both in practice and especially in the ring. This can give you a good feel for what is involved when you want to take up Muay Thai. Also, by observing the techniques of others, you can learn a thing or two to talk to your new trainer about.

3.       Stick to the basics, at first.

What matters most is execution in the art of Muay Thai. Practice how to make the first strike or improve your footwork, initially. If something appears too complex, you can break it down into smaller parts and work directly with your trainer for more answers. A4 Fitness offers different groups for you to spar with according to your level of expertise as well.

4.       Buy the right gear.

When you’re getting into Muay Thai, you’ve got to get the right gear. Don’t settle for the cheap stuff. The six basic items you’ll need are: boxing gloves, shin guards, head gear, groin protection, a mouth guard, and hand wraps. You can also invest in knee and elbow pads, athletic tape, and ankle braces for more support. Finally, a little Namaan Muay can help to ease the aches and pain as well.

5.       Be ready to fight!

In addition to being a fighting form, like most martial arts, Muay Thai is a philosophy. You will get caught up in the way of life, and want to practice several times a week. This is a good thing. With more confidence in your skills, you will get the hunger for a good fight, and A4 can pair you up with a comparable fighter for your skill level.

There is no need to fear Muay Thai. When you join A4 Fitness’ Muay Thai program in Los Angeles, we will ensure that you can grow in a safe, supportive environment. It’s time to fulfill your dream of becoming a fighter: give us a call and start today.

It’s been quite popular over the last few decades to teach children martial arts. The benefits are myriad, with several mental and physical advantages for the martial artist. When considering martial arts for kids, look no further than A4 Fitness. We have an unparalleled facility in Los Angeles for teaching kids karate. Here is a list of some of the benefits of learning karate for kids.

1.       Breathing and circulatory health.

One of the pillars of karate and other martial arts is meditation and stretching. These activities help kids to have better cardiovascular health in the process.

2.       Muscular strength.

Martial arts are helpful in developing muscular strength for children. Calisthenics are a large part of building muscle, using the child’s own weight to strengthen their bodies.

3.       Balance.

Karate will help your children to improve their balance. Many of the activities – sparring, jump kicks, and defensive moves – require that the martial artist carefully develop their sense of balance.

4.       Philosophy and discipline.

All martial arts are based upon a philosophy akin to Buddhism. These arts are not actually designed to teach your kids to fight – they were developed to teach when not to fight. Therefore, when your kids are enrolled in kids martial arts classes, they learn to develop themselves into more disciplined individuals.

5.       Drive and focus.

It takes great focus to effectively practice martial arts. Karate for kids involves sparring, punching and kicking targets, and anticipating opponents’ movements. All of these factors help children to be more driven and focused in their daily lives as well.

6.       Control.

Emotional control is an essential aspect of martial arts for kids. Children learn not to lose their heads when they are sparring with opponents, and this will help them to be better at resolving conflicts in the schoolyard as well.

7.       Self-confidence.

The martial arts are the best way to teach your kids self-confidence. As they learn new skills in karate, they get tested for new belts as they improve. This goal-oriented process gives kid fighters achievements to look forward to, and galvanizes their confidence in the process.

Kids karate in Los Angeles is a superior experience at A4 Fitness. All of the benefits of karate for kids are evident in the martial artists that go through our programs. We have the best martial arts trainers, and a terrific camaraderie for children to participate in. Whenever you are ready, give us a call, and we will sign up your child for one of the best martial arts programs on the West Side.

Boxing is an excellent avocation for anyone to pursue – including kids! A4 fitness has a great reputation for kids boxing in Los Angeles, and we have plenty of kids boxing classes to choose from. Many parents have reservations about teaching their children to box, but there are several terrific reasons to educate your children in the art of boxing. Boxing has physical benefits for your children, as well as mental ones. Learning to box in a safe and positive environment can help your child to navigate through adolescence and into adulthood. Here are seven ways that boxing benefits children:

1.       Cardiovascular health.

Kids naturally want to run around and play, and boxing can be very effective in focusing that energy in a positive direction. Boxers practice jumping rope, jogging, and sparring to build up their endurance in the ring. Boxing for kids will help your son or daughter benefit from a healthy circulatory system.

2.       Muscular strength.

All boxers have to augment their muscular strength in order to perform well in the ring. For young boxers, it’s important to utilize the child’s own bodyweight through calisthenics: pushups, crunches, and squats. By safely building muscle, your child’s health will improve.

3.       Balance.

A big factor in a boxer’s success is balance. Footwork is essential to a boxer’s long-term success, and your child will benefit from learning to move around in the ring. Other practices like stretching, dodges, and feints will help with your child’s overall balance.

4.       Self-discipline.

Perhaps the most important benefit of boxing is self-discipline. Kids boxing classes help your children to learn how to set goals and take steps along the way to reach those goals.

5.       Focus.

An essential part of boxing is maintaining focus in the ring. By sparring with partners, they learn to target and react to their opponent’s actions. Also, the speedbag helps to galvanize a kid boxer’s focus.

6.       Anger management.

A big part of boxing for kids is learning to control your emotions. Kids learn that it doesn’t help to lose your temper in the ring – nor in their daily lives. This will help them to diffuse conflicts in their life outside the ring.

7.       Confidence.

Kids boxing classes are an excellent way for your children to build their confidence. By working hard and developing their skills, they learn to bring the confidence they receive into other parts of their lives.

If you are considering teaching your child to box, A4 Fitness is the best choice. We have award-winning fighters with the skills to show your child how to succeed in the art of boxing. Consider the benefits of kids boxing classes for your child, and call us when you are ready to begin training.