Kickboxing is a form of martial art and a blend of cardio and strength training. It is an intense but fun workout targeting muscles throughout your entire body offering an improved way to increase strength and burn calories.
That’s not all, this popular exercise has been shown to improve coordination, improve your cardiovascular health and relieve stress.
Here’s why you should give it a try.
WEIGHT LOSS
Kickboxing offers an aerobic workout that burns calories. Someone who weighs 155 pounds can burn 372 calories during just 30 minutes of kickboxing.
TONE, STRENGTHEN ENTIRE BODY
Since you’re moving throughout an entire kickboxing workout, you are bound to strengthen and tone your legs, arms, glutes, back and core all at once.
RELIEVE STRESS, GAIN PEACE
Kickboxing can be a great workout for your body and mind. When you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, a kickboxing workout may be just what you need because it can act as a stress reliever. As a high-intensity workout, you will be releasing endorphins helping to battle depression and adding to your stress relief.
IMPROVE COORDINATION, BALANCE
The older we get, balance and coordination become even more important. While kickboxing, hand-eye coordination is critical. You will be moving and performing an intricate dance while punching and kicking your way to a whole new you.
BETTER CARDIVASULAR HEALTH
Regular, high-intensity exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart. kickboxing is a high-intensity workout, but also an effective way to reduce belly fat. Belly fat has been correlated with heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. A 2014 study showed that kickboxing one hour for three days a week increased maximum oxygen uptake.
CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM BOOST
Exercise in general has been linked to improved confidence and self-esteem. Kickboxing requires focus, leaving your thoughts aside for the time. A 2010 study suggests that martial arts can help improve self-confidence. Once again, you are increasing endorphins and producing changes in the brain that can lead to more self-confidence.
Before starting, consider your goals (fitness, weight loss or competition). Find the right class or trainer based on those goals and make sure to stay hydrated and have fun.
GEAR FOR KICKBOXING
- Gloves
- Hand and ankle wraps
- Mouthguard
- Headgear
- Shin guards