Martial Arts Question

MissJay75

I am starting a gung fu class next week. The class is 90 minutes twice a week, all ages. I observed 1 class last week and it looks like the time is divided up practicing punching moves, kicking moves, blocking moves, and foundation moves. Additionally there are sets of pushups.

I understand that I will have control over the level of intensity I bring, which will affect my calorie burn. But I am a complete beginner and will probably be focusing more on form than power for a while. Does anyone have any idea what kind of range of calorie burn I can expect? I'm not sure if it's even allowed, but I don't want to wear my HRM during these sessions.

I am also looking to get an idea of what kind of burn my 6 yr old daughter might have. She really wants to do this with us, but we have to closely monitor her calories to make sure she is getting enough. She weighs 40 pounds and I weigh 158 if that helps with the calculations.

MissJay75

Thanks cyborg. And yeah, I don't want to risk breaking my HRM watch.

PikaKnight

I don't have a solid number to throw out because every class is different, but there will be period of high intensity and lower intensity. I do 2-3 120 minute Commando Krav Maga classes every week, and I can say that it really depends on how your instructor has it set up. You will likely not be engaged in high-intensity cardio the whole time (especially when you are watching new technique demonstrations), but it sounds like there's at least some portions of it at a higher intensity based on the pushup comment.

Things like striking practice and multiple attacker defense (if applicable) will definitely burn more than slow static technique practice.

I did want to offer that you probably don't want to wear the heart rate monitor during practice, unless it's really ruggedized. Just the other day I saw a guy scuff up his watch because he didn't want to take it off, and then when he hit the ground after a throw he landed right on the watch. I think his wrist didn't feel too great afterward either. Just my two cents.

Ouch. Not only all the above, but if your class includes sparring, it'd be unsafe for your partner as well.

As for the burn, it's all an estimate to begin with, but I don't think the class would be considered steady rate cardio anyways (which is what the HRM is designate for). Just find a calculator or maybe try MFP's #s and do that for 3-4 weeks. Then adjust the burn if you feel it is too exaggerated.

knra_grl

http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calories_burned.htm <<<< according to this calculator I would burn 548 cals - plug your own stats into it and it should give you a fairly good estimate

Any kind of martial arts is awesome - it's been a long time but I used to go to a karate class - awesome workout!

MissJay75

That's a great calculator knra, it said for my stats, Martial Arts, Different Types, Slower Pace, Novice Performers, Practice is 488 for 90 mins. I'll start with that for a month or so, and like PikaKNight suggested, adjust as needed.

I did try putting the numbers in for my daughter, and the minimum is 4 feet and 13 years old which is 220 for an hour. (I don't think we'll let her go the whole 90 mins) I know most kids' appetites naturally increase with activity and will eat more without a lot of interference, but things work differently for her. Even spreading it out over a week, getting her another 500 calories a week will be very tricky. Guess we'll have to see if the benefits of the activity are negated by it preventing her from healthy weight gain.