As I enter the aerobics room, I see people stretching like a cat waking up from its morning nap. The instructor, a woman with well-placed wrinkles named Joanne, is starting the first exercise. Everyone gets excited like a child receiving a birthday present, yet they knew it was going to be an intense workout, especially me. The music turns on and the sound of the bass blankets the entire room. The first exercise begins and my heart speeds up with each beat of the music. The desire to punch and kick all my stress fills me like pouring a glass of water. Having this kind of feeling proves that kickboxing has the power to relieve stress and from that moment on I knew it was a class I would continue to take. The sound of banging on the floor was difficult to hear as people moved. like a line dance. The pace quickened and the instructor clenched her fist and pushed it to the side. He continues this move, going left and then right, however, he wasn't done yet. With his fist clenched, he threw a punch and continued alternating with each arm. Following his movements, my biceps began to burn. Time seemed to slow down with each punch; I could only hold out for so long before stopping. Everyone else felt the burn too; their faces crumpled like candy wrappers with each higher cut. I thought I could hear their heartbeat from a mile away, because their heart rate increased by the second. As the music continued to play, I realized that this intense music that follows each person's punch creates a form of kickboxing. Kickboxing has been around since the 1970s after karate practitioners found it frustrating that punches and kicks couldn't be directed... .center of paper......everyone in the room "come on guys, just three more times". The rest of the class continues with the final round of kicks and punches to relieve the rest of the stress. Class finally ends and everyone is dripping with sweat. Some people's faces looked like a red tomato, while everyone else looked like water had been poured on them. A student who comes religiously loves this class. “Kickboxing is my favorite class at Pace University. It gives me exhilarating feelings and builds my confidence. Even if I come back smelling like a sweaty gym sock, if it were possible, I would go to this class every day of the week.” Ashley Bentham said. Kickboxing has found a way to survive all these years. With each passing day it becomes more popular and continues to gain millions of people who try it. Kickboxing isn't going away anytime soon and I don't think it ever will.