FITNESS CRAZE PACKS A PUNCH

Tracy Metzger called out commands during cardio boxing class.

Boxers wrap their hands to protect them and to keep their wrists straight.

Outfitted with a microphone and boxing gloves, Tracy Metzger shadow boxes, punching and kicking an imaginary opponent as she shouts out directions to students in her exercise class.

"Put your body into it," she encouragingly calls out over the pounding rhythm of up-tempo music as those in the class throw a combination of punches and kicks.

Metzger teaches cardio boxing at St. Francis Universal Health and Fitness Center in Cape Girardeau.

Cardio boxing has replaced step aerobics as the latest fitness craze.

The hourlong workouts pack a punch for exercise enthusiasts who want a change from more traditional aerobics classes.

Metzger teaches both contact and non-contact cardio boxing.

Non-contact cardio boxing is more like shadow boxing, says Metzger. Participants typically wear 12-ounce boxing gloves even for the non-contact exercises.

"With the contact, I put on punching mitts and they put on boxing gloves," said Metzger.

The punching mitts take the place of a punching bag. "It is like a pad. They hit it," she said.

Metzger said the exercise program and others similar to it have attracted fitness fans nationwide.

"I think this is appealing to both men and women where traditionally aerobics appealed to women," she said.

The exercise program works both the upper and lower body.

"It helps for flexibility. It helps with muscle endurance," she said. "It helps with coordination and motor performance."

Metzger said it exercises the upper body more than traditional aerobics.

Participants vary widely in age from college students to senior citizens.

"Everybody takes it at their own limit," she said.

"Just because you can't kick high, you can still kick to the shin level," said Metzger.

"Anybody can throw a punch," she added.

Metzger said the exercise routine helps reduce stress. "You feel a lot better if you hit stuff."

The activity brings out the boxer in people.

Said Metzger, "You have little ladies put on these gloves and they get this sparkle in their eyes.

"They just come at you like they are going to pound you," said a smiling Metzger.

Lou Arthur, 51, of Cape Girardeau said the exercise helps keep him fit.

"It is a total workout," said Arthur who is in the Navy Reserve. "It is non-stop action."

Nicole Schabbing of Cape Girardeau began "boxing" this summer.

"It's something new," said Schabbing, adding that she has "always been into aerobics."

Missy Blanton, a 19-year Southeast Missouri State University student from Southern Illinois, started out exercising on her own with Tae-Bo tapes.

But she soon tired of the tapes and the same old routines.

Blanton prefers the contact and non-contact cardio boxing classes.

"This kind of keeps you on your feet," she said with a smile as she took a break between boxing classes. "The music is a lot better."

Blanton said she works out daily.

Cardio boxing was first popularized by martial arts champion Billy Blanks, who developed exercises he named Tae-Bo.

Metzger, a registered dietitian, works as an exercise instructor part time. She also is training for a marathon.

She enjoys cardio boxing because it offers her a change of pace from step aerobics and other exercises.

"I love it. It gives me a break. I don't have to worry about getting the step out," she said. "It's wonderful."