Benefits of Kickboxing Training

Kickboxing is a hybrid combat sport that mixes elements of other martial arts such as karate and combines them with boxing. Punching and kicking are two of the basic techniques that kickboxers learn but knee strikes, elbow strikes, and a variety of other moves are also involved. Aside from the techniques that are required for attacking opponents, several defensive techniques such as slipping, blocking, and clinching are also key components. 

The sport became popular in North America in the 1970s and 1980s and there are now several kickboxing leagues and events all over the world. As with most other combat sports, kickboxing is seen as a discipline that one develops in order to compete but that isn’t always the case. There are plenty of people who train in kickboxing because doing so offers them a wide variety of benefits. 

Kickboxing training is a high intensity workout that benefits both body and mind. Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy when you train for kickboxing:

Self-Defense

One of the more obvious benefits to kickboxing training is that it teaches you to defend yourself. People of all ages are susceptible to bullying, being mugged or otherwise assaulted. Those who have trained for kickboxing are a lot more likely to repel such threats. Someone who has trained extensively will be able to defend themselves without having to think too much. Defensive actions become almost automatic.  

Build Muscle

Those who participate in kickboxing training are quick to gain strength and build muscle. Kickboxing is a discipline that involves using most of your body so you will be strengthening your feet, legs, hips, back, stomach, shoulders, arms, and hands as well as muscles you might not even be aware of. You will be doing a lot of push-ups, sit-ups, and resistance exercises along with weight training and isometric exercises. It doesn’t take much time to see the results.

Intense Cardio Exercise

There are a lot of different ways to get a good cardiovascular workout but kickboxing training is a little more intense than your average cardio workout. Keeping your heart and lungs in shape is just as important as building your exterior. You won’t necessarily be able to see the benefits of cardiovascular training but you will certainly feel them. Everyone wants increased stamina and kickboxing training will do just that for you.

Build Confidence

There are millions of people in this world who struggle with their confidence and lack of self-esteem.

Kickboxing training is a very effective way to build self-esteem and boost confidence levels. As you build muscle, increase speed and agility, and learn to techniques, you will see yourself in a more positive light. You will also be far less nervous when you’re walking alone at night or through a dark back alley. Also, once you have practiced in the ring a few times, you will not be as afraid of enduring a bit of physical pain.

Cross Training

Kickboxing involves a fair amount of cross training. You might lift weights and do resistance exercises but those don’t do a great job of increasing cardio fitness, agility or endurance. Kickboxing training combines weight training with cardio training which benefits you greatly.

Lose Weight

Weight loss is a big factor in a lot of people’s decision to adopt a regular training regimen. Kickboxing training is an excellent and effective way to burn fat and lose unwanted pounds. According to Muscle and Fitness Magazine, kickboxing training can burn over 800 calories per hour. Shedding excess weight does wonders for your self-esteem and makes you much more flexible and energized which, in turn, makes you a better kickboxer.

Relieve Stress

Everyone gets stressed out from time to time and many struggle to find a way to break out of their stress. Punching and kicking a heavy bag not only helps you to improve coordination and build strength, it is also a healthy way of relieving stress. You will feel a lot better after a ten-minute one-on-one session with the heavy bag.

Better Focus

On top of the physical improvements, kickboxing training will give you a sharper focus and improved levels of concentration. It takes time and a lot of dedication to master the techniques that are needed. Kickboxing requires you to focus on your opponents and react quickly and this can carry itself over into everyday situations.

Getting Started

Those who have little or no experience with kickboxing or combat sports in general might feel intimidated by kickboxing training but there is no need to be. If you start by visiting a kickboxing or martial arts gym, then you have taken the first step. However, before you do that, it is wise to ask yourself whether you are going to train to become an amateur kickboxer or if you are doing it to get in shape. 

If you just want to get in shape, then there are loads of commercial gyms that will suit your needs. Trainers at these gyms will teach you basic kickboxing techniques but the focus will be on exercise regime. If you think you would like to train for competition, then you are better off finding a gym that specializes in kickboxing and martial arts. 

Find A Good Kickboxing Gym

The success of your kickboxing training will depend on what kind of gym you select. When you visit the kickboxing gym for the first time, you should be greeted by a friendly and helpful staff member who should show you around the facility and even invite you to observe a class or some training. 

Make sure to make mental notes of how the gym looks. Is it clean? Is it organized? Does it have the proper equipment? You also want to watch how the trainers are interacting with the fighters. Are the fighters sweating and do they appear to be having fun? Are the trainers giving instructions and being helpful? Ask around to find out if the gym has produced any successful kickboxers. You want to find a gym that has a welcoming and positive atmosphere.

Find A Good Trainer

Finding a good trainer is perhaps the most important aspect of kickboxing training. Effective trainers understand the needs of their students and they teach in a way that their students understand. They need to be patient and keep their students focused. Good trainers are constantly giving feedback and keep their students motivated.

You want your trainer to be certified, experienced, and organized. A good trainer will help you set reachable goals and keep a close eye on you as you work toward them. Your trainer should always be watching out for your safety. As a beginner, a good trainer would never put you in the ring against an experienced fighter. When you visit a kickboxing gym for the first time, pay a lot of attention to what the trainers are doing and how they are doing it. If you like what you see then get started. If not, find another gym.

Conclusion

Kickboxing training can be an enjoyable experience and it will benefit you in ways you can’t imagine. A lot of people get hooked after just a couple of sessions as they notice remarkable improvements in their physical and mental health. Kickboxing is an art that takes years to master so it is something that will always present you with challenges and never turn out to be a boring experience.