Which type of boxing is the one for you?

The most popular variation. Cardio boxing arrived from the USA in the early 1990s. It's based on movements from kickboxing, boxing and Thai boxing (Muay Thai), though the only aim is to burn off calories. Which is just as well because that's what you're here for.

With cardio boxing, the goal is not to work on your technique with a view to fighting in the ring but to perform boxing exercises and movements that develop your cardio fitness and burn off some energy.

And to make it more fun and help you stay motivated, you can do it to music. Whether you're at a boxing club or gym, classes are run by a coach against a backdrop of funky lighting and music.It's a great way of unwinding and working out at the same time.

Cardio boxing really burns off the calories. Sessions involve punching the air (shadow boxing), hitting a target (punching bag or focus pad), fitness exercises and skipping.On average, you'll burn up 600 an hour. In terms of intensity, boxing workouts are right up there.

So, in summary: cardio boxing offers all the intensity and quality of a boxing session, both in terms of cardio and muscle workout, but in a setting that is more about fun and fitness than fighting in the ring.

Also known as the "noble art", boxing has been around for centuries, since ancient times.

Boxers are only allowed to use their fists to strike their opponent.  The only areas they can hit are the upper body and the head. Boxers strike each other from a much closer range than kickboxers.

Boxing is very physically demanding and requires a lot of leg speed and mobility in the upper part of the body. In terms of equipment, you need a pair of boxing gloves, a mouth guard, a head guard and a pair of shoes.

Thai boxing is also known as Muay Thai. In this form of boxing you can use your fists, feet, elbows and knees, which means you can strike your opponent from close in or far away. Feet and knees can be used to hit opponents anywhere on their bodies.

Thai boxing requires the same equipment as K1 kickboxing: head guard, mouth guard, boxing gloves and shin pads. Fighters can also wear elbow pads if they choose. There is a lot of ritual attached to Muay Thai fights and they always begin with a dance: the Wai Khru Ram Muay, in which the nak-muay (boxer) wears a mongkon, a traditional headpiece. An orchestra also plays music during fights.

Also known as the "noble art", boxing has been around for centuries, since ancient times.

Boxers are only allowed to use their fists to strike their opponent.  The only areas they can hit are the upper body and the head. Boxers strike each other from a much closer range than kickboxers.

Boxing is very physically demanding and requires a lot of leg speed and mobility in the upper part of the body. In terms of equipment, you need a pair of boxing gloves, a mouth guard, a head guard and a pair of shoes.