Should i do kickboxing

Kickboxing can be more intense than a normal exercise program. When selecting a gym, also find out if you need to buy any kickboxing gear. Though unlikely, some classes may ask their students to purchase ankle supports , boxing gloves, or headgear. Protecting your head and face is important if you plan to engage in actual sparring. Injuries to the teeth, jaw, lips, and cheekbones are common in contact sports like kickboxing. Polmann H, et al. Prevalence of dentofacial injuries among combat sports practitioners: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

DOI: Most active gear is fine, just leave the baggy sweatshirts at home. A water bottle and towel will also come in handy. Eating well is always a good idea, no matter your sport of choice.

Soldati L, et al. The benefits of nutritional counseling for improving sport performance. Ortiz recommends plenty of carbohydrates 30 minutes to an hour before the workout. Choos e foods that digest slowly, like beans, brown rice, or sweet potato, and a small amount of fast-absorbing carbs, like fruit or juice. Carbohydrates are a great source of energy. Evolution Nutrition. Pre- and post-workout nutrition for strength training. Dehydration can reduce your mental and physical performance.

Backes TP, et al. Fluid consumption, exercise, and cognitive performance. Just a few minutes of meditation can help improve your attention and focus, which could give you an edge when sparring. Norris CJ, et al. Brief mindfulness meditation improves attention in novices: Evidence from ERPs and moderation by neuroticism. Mindfulness and martial arts are complementary. Each strike requires both skill and focus so you can accurately hit your target. Exercise has a direct correlation with the quality of sleep an individual experiences.

The greater the stress placed on the body during exercise, the more recovery the body will need. Additional benefits of "non-combat" kickboxing are better mental health and a boosted immune system. The art of mastery of any form of martial arts requires time, commitment, and control.

To be able to successfully execute any type of strike, stance , or movement, you need determination and discipline. Like most martial arts: to know how is good, to know how and when is better. This takes time, practice, and more importantly, discipline. The discipline learned through kickboxing can translate into discipline in everyday habits and routines.

The majority of cardio workouts can become mundane when repeated over and over again. Our bodies and muscles need variation, especially in our workouts.

Your body is like a machine that quickly becomes accustomed to certain stressors. Kickboxing workouts are a great way to change up your exercise routine, and there are so many different kinds of kickboxing training.

These are just some of the many reasons and benefits of kickboxing. Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back from one of the best workouts on the planet. Once you have a foundation, try more kickboxing workouts on our app, blog , and YouTube channel.

The Author: Jeff Turbett is a former all-state track athlete, collegiate football player turned weightroom junkie, and fight enthusiast.

Having coached personal training in the past, he knows the importance of cross-training and the numerous benefits it has for combat sports. Jeff is also a contributor at BellaVita Fitness and Wellness online. As a result, 30 to 60 minutes of kickboxing three or more times per week may be all a member needs to improve cardiovascular fitness.

The cost of boxing and kickboxing equipment in comparison to treadmills, bikes and other cardio equipment is minimal, and because of the potential revenue generated from group exercise and the increased retention, providing these classes is cost effective. Strength is improved because it is a weight bearing activity and many of the moves are explosive.

The explosive nature of kicks and punches improves muscular performance. When you add heavy bags, punching mitts, speed bags and other equipment like jump ropes, etc. Punching and kicking, when done correctly, not only help one generate power, they are very effective at engaging the core. The muscles of the legs, hips and trunk are involved in rotation and stabilization for every exercise performed with punching and kicking. The core muscles are repeatedly contracted and relaxed when performing these exercises, and when one is taught proper breathing techniques as well, the diaphragm and other breathing muscles are engaged more effectively.

Balance is improved because the exercises involve weight bearing, shifting weight, rotational movements and power generation. Also, because of the nature of kicking and punch-kick combinations, this type of exercise increases eye-hand coordination, eye-foot coordination, proprioceptive awareness and many of the moves involve weight bearing on one foot, which in and of itself improves balance.

Kickboxing type exercises are appropriate for each gender and across every age group. Because it is weight bearing and improves balance, this is even very appropriate for aging adults if taught properly, and intensity and impact is addressed accordingly by a qualified instructor.

The high intensity nature of the exercises in kickboxing improve stress reduction through the release of endorphins. Studies show it also helps reduce anxiety and depression, and is a great outlet for frustrations.