If you're already imagining a bunch of people beating the hell out of each other then think again: Pink, Kylie and Madonna have all trained in Muay Thai and it is gaining in popularity with women.

Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing, is a martial art that originated in Thailand where it is even more popular than football is in Britain.

Muay Thai is sometimes called "The Art of the Eight Limbs" as hands, shins, elbows, and knees are used extensively. It evolved from Muay Boran which was virtually rule-less and led to a lot of serious injuries. Rules were introduced in the early 20th century and Muay Thai was born.

The most distinctive techniques of Muay Thai are elbow strikes and knee-kicks, with elbows and knees being the fighters' main tools. Despite its brutal nature Muay Thai can be very addictive and it is one of the fastest growing full contact sports in the world.

The benefits of the training are responsible in large part for its growth. It provides an excellent cardio workout and improves body tone and balance, but the benefits go beyond the body: The training will teach you that a lot of strength is in the mind. It is an excellent way to improve self-confidence and self-discipline and is an effective de-stresser. It would come in handy for self-defence too, should the need ever arise.

Whoever you train with you are always taught to treat everyone with respect, so egos and anger are left outside the gym. All this helps make Muay Thai training a lot of fun - much more fun than exercise bikes or running machines - and that's before the benefits kick in.