Kick Boxing

Any kick boxers out there? Have you ever tried it? Its a great work out and a lot of fun. Other than pushed back toenails, jammed fingers and bruises, I'm really enjoying it. grin.
I started about eight months ago, when one of the instructors at work kindly volunteered her time twice a week to teach the class. I got into it thinking it was the aerobics variety. Heh heh. Not quite. But once I got involved I really enjoyed it.
Now that the semester is over, our instructor is done teaching for the summer. So she and the rest of us signed up with her instructor at his studio. We had our first class yesterday. Yikes! I figure as far as exercising, that hour should take care of me for the rest of the week. I also can't play the age card anymore either. The instructor looks to be my age and has a body like a rock.
Absolutely the worst part of Muay Thai for me is jumping rope. Sounds silly right? When we were kids we did it for hours. Now its not so easy to get this 'mature' body in motion.
The reason for jumping rope is agility, so that if someone attacks you, you can move quickly and respond as necessary. I must admit I need work in that area:) Our instructor said five minutes of jumping rope is the equivalent of a one mile run. I believe it.
I also ended up on a bag that didn't have padding. Ouch. Next week I'll check them out a little closer.
But all in all it was great. If you're looking for a good workout combined with self-defense training, I recommend it.