Keiko’s Beauty Routine Vol. 1 Kickboxing Edition 🥊
Note: I wanted to wait till my copy of the Harmony Magazine arrived but hey, since we got proper scans already I thought why wait any longer? So here’s the first section I translated, of course it’s Keiko’s part, no surprise there XD Without further ado, enjoy! 〈(•ˇ‿ˇ•)-→
Here you will find lectures on beauty and health routines which Keiko is following strictly. The first issue shall focus on kickboxing at the training gym. This lesson will teach you how to tackle anything in a stoic manner.
I am perfectly prepared wearing my own set of gloves.
Stretch properly before your warm-up! Carefully review your positions for the day! Start your warm-up! Hit the mitts for 30 seconds, repeat this set three times. Concentrate on hitting hard and fast!
Middle Kick! High-Kick! A strong core as well as flexibility are essential!
Floyd Mayweather’s DVD in the background is a great incentive for training strictly.
Message from the trainer: Keiko-san’s kicks are very powerful and her form is beautiful. Also, she is very stoic! Usually, women can do around 7 rounds, that’s pretty common, Keiko-san however can do 10 rounds on average.
◆ What made you start kickboxing? During our tours we sometimes have to perform every day, we are traveling around a lot for certain performances, with things like that your stamina has to be really great so I realised I needed to do more cardio! Typically when you think of cardio “running” is the first thing that comes to mind, however, my knee joints have always been very weak so I can’t really do that. In order to find a balance between my muscle training and my cardio, I decided to pick up kickboxing. ◆ How long do you usually work out during a session? Warm up: 30 seconds × 3 sets. Sparring with just punches: 2 minutes × 3 sets. Sparring using the kicking mitt: 2 minutes x 7 sets. In total 10 rounds! Aside from that, there’s also a full-body workout. All in all, the training will take about an hour. ◆ Is there a special reason you can recommend it? When you do kicks you are using muscles of certain body parts which are usually not in use such as your inner thigh or your core, if there’s no strength in the core of your body you will waver and won’t be capable of kicking, that’s why kickboxing is also a very efficient and fun muscle training. I hear singing has a great effect on relieving stress, apparently kickboxing does the same! ◆ What is your favourite thing about it? I really like fast combinations. "1-2-Upper Hook Straight”! ◆ Are there any challenges for you? I often hear, “don’t be so worn out!” Even though all the moves are familiar by now I still end up confusing the instructions of my trainer... was it a "1-2 Upper Hook Straight" or "1-2 Upper Straight"?... then I will be chided, ”You are not focusing!” You are moving around constantly while having to listen carefully to the instructions so it’s also “brain exercise”!
Afterword Well, this was the first “Keiko’s Beauty Routine” corner, how did you like it ♪? First of all I’d like to talk a little about how I got into doing this much physical exercise...by nature, my body is very weak and there was a time when I was really worried whether I could handle Kalafina’s activities. I wanted to deliver a great performance for the fans, even on days when I was not feeling well, I wanted to work on my stamina so the number of days when I wasn’t feeling too well would steadily decrease, most importantly, it was about becoming aware of my own weaknesses in order to challenge myself during workouts. I had my mind set on turning these weaknesses into strengths. I felt that improving my mental strength and concentration skills was necessary for my activities as part of Kalafina. I am only human so sometimes I will go through a rough patch in life or I will feel discouraged, right now my physical trainings provide comfort and a way out in moments like that. Combined with a proper diet, there are various ways and methods but this time I decided to introduce you to kickboxing which I only recently started. I am just a normal person like all of you so I hope to share these “real” parts of me in this corner!
Keiko's Mini Muscle Training Course
Keiko-Sensei’s lecture can be easily applied both at home and at work! Basic Edition ~ For toned upper arms! It will firm up THIS part of your arm (triceps)! 1. Holding the dumbbells in your fists, move your arms towards your body. 2. Move your arms backwards so they are almost horizontal to the floor, try to squeeze your shoulder blades together. Advanced Edition ~ This workout is effective for the entire body since it includes squats! From the front / From the side 1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and raise your arms to your sides at shoulder height. 2. While moving your arms backwards so they are almost horizontal to the floor, do a squat.
Ahhhh! I have always wanted something like this!! I am glad my wish was finally granted! Of course macho-senpai can do 10 rounds! XD Didn’t expect anything less from Keiko! Also, the adjective “stoic” is forever linked to Keiko it seems. Ever since they old days, everyone has been describing her as stoic. Can’t wait for the next issue! I wonder what her next topic is gonna be? o.O I am still bummed tha I can’t find Keiko’s pants and sports bra. You have no idea how long I have been trying to find them T_T But I will NOT give up. One day I will succeed!!!
