Sweat pouring down her face, sophomore Taylor Steen punches and kicks a 100-pound heavy bag over and over. She jabs with her left, punches with her right and kicks the bag, completing this sequence over and over until her muscles begin to feel numb.

Her professional boxing instructor, Otis Roper, yells at her to keep going, shouting out specific instructions and patterns over blaring Michael Jackson songs. Roper checks in on Steen, making sure she is doing the moves correctly and doing the correct sequences. He keeps Steen focused yelling encouragement such as, “Don’t give up fiery ginger.”

This is what Steen’s after school routine has looked like for the last three months. Steen is a member at Title Boxing Club and attends classes about three times a week.

Boxing clubs are popping up all over Kansas City, such as Title Boxing Club in Prairie Village and Authentic Boxing Club in downtown Kansas City.

According to Title Boxing Club owner, Kim Nofsinger, they have seen a recent membership increase. Nofsinger attributes this increase to several different factors.

“First of all, very few places have over 50 heavy bags for use in a class setting,” Nofsinger said. “Plus all of our trainers have a fight background so it is a completely different class than you would see in a kickboxing class at a traditional gym.”

According to Nofsinger, the word is also spreading about the health benefits of kickboxing.

“I’m not surprised it has become so popular,” Steen said. “It’s great exercise and you leave feeling like you just got the best workout ever.”

According to a study by the University of Mississippi, that measured the physical health benefits of kickboxing found that it improves one’s fitness level and heart health. Kickboxing helps to keep blood pressure under control in the long run and also improves heart rate. It was also found that punching and kicking can help reduce stress by allowing kicking and punching without the fear of hurting others.

“I love how I feel after kickboxing,” Steen said. “But it works so well for me because I can’t get distracted. [My instructors] force me to [work hard].”

Not only does kickboxing make you feel better, but according to American Council on Exercise, it can also help you look better. A recent study done by the organization, proved that kickboxing burns approximately 350 to 450 calories per hour.

According to Mr. Otis Roper, a highly trained Mixed Martial Arts instructor and a trainer at Title Boxing Club, the typical structure of a class includes a warm up with some muscle toning and jumping jacks, followed by 30 minutes of kickboxing that includes knee strikes, kicks and punches.

“The important thing to remember is that you train like a fighter without getting hit,” Roper said.

Steen believes that the atmosphere at Title Boxing Club also helps her stay motivated during her classes.

“The class instructor that we go to gave us individual nicknames, mine is fiery ginger.” Steen said. “It’s really fun and so much better than a gym because you stay moving and don’t get distracted.”