Jab. Cross. Hook. Upper Cut. Jab. Cross. Hook. Upper Cut. Knee. Knee. Kick. Kick.
Last semester, Tracey Greenwood, fitness director, hired Lisa Kuesal-Tryanor to instruct members of the Cabrini College community in kickboxing. She taught step a few years ago during the Dixon Centers’ freshman year, but took time off to heal an injury.
During most of her day, she works as a personal trainer at various locations. On Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., she can be found punching and kicking in the aerobics room located on the second floor of the Dixon Center.
The class starts out with a cardio jumpstart followed by squats and intense stretching. Stretching is focused on the legs and arms to get the body ready to throw punches and deliver high kicks.
After the body is limber, punching drills are performed. Many choose to use weights to add resistance to the arm workout.
Next, the class does a half hour of various choreographed routines involving various kicks and punches. Upbeat songs like Britney Spears “I’m a Slave for You” and “Lady Marmalade” from the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge help to pump up the heart rate. Throughout the class, Kuesal-Tryanor reminds everyone to breathe and to have fun.
Most of the combinations incorporate the initial punching drills of jab, cross, hook, upper cut.
After an intense cardio workout, Kuesal-Tryanor teaches new combinations during a cool down. Then, the class does lunges and other leg work followed by push-ups and sit-ups.
After a lot of kicks, punches, lunges and sweat, the class cools down, unusually to Sade’s “Lovers Rock.”
The class fluctuates from a core of five-six to a random group of 10-15. If you take the class, be prepared to sweat. Drink a glass of water before hand, and keep a bottle of water at hand to sip during class.
