Turkey. Ham. Mashed potatoes. Gravy. It’s almost Christmas, and you likely have shopping and cooking to do — or if you’re lucky, just lots of overeating planned.

If the thought of fighting over cranberry sauce at a busy grocery store — or the anxiety of seeing extended family has you stressed — go do cardio kickboxing at Amerikick in Medford, NJ. You’ll be giving thankful you went (and punched the bag instead of old Aunt Milly).

“There’s nothing like coming to class and getting my frustration out. After a long day, it’s exactly the kind of ‘me’ time I need,” says Tina Brown, who’s been going to Amerikick’s Medford studio since they opened their doors six years ago.

A typical cardio kickboxing class at Americkick is an hour long and includes basic kickboxing and karate — similar to Tae Bo only with your own real-life “Billy Blanks.” During the second half of class, students partner up to punch and kick weighted bags. The class also includes toning, an ab routine and stretches.

“A class at a karate studio is better than any kickboxing class at the gym. I’m learning real self-defense moves from people with backgrounds in martial arts,” says Tina.

According to fellow kickboxer Dara Mizerak, cardio kickboxing is perfect for people at any fitness level. “It’s just like anything new. You gotta ease yourself into it and stay dedicated in order to really benefit and see results.” Dara’s been kickboxing for two and a half years and has lost 30 pounds. She recommends bringing a friend with you — or befriending people in the class. “I made a lot of friends here, and it makes working out that much more fun.”

For a free trial kickboxing class at Amerikick Medford, call 609.714.2212.

Amerikick has New Jersey studios in Medford, Marlton, Delran, Hammonton, Egg Harbor Township and Haddon Heights. For other locations – in Pennsylvania, New York and Kansas – go to the Amerikick site.

A version of this article was featured on NJMyWay.com. Photo by KW Design.