Do you feel like you’ve been stuck in a fitness rut? Are you looking for a high-energy workout that will help you get into shape fast? If so, kickboxing might be the perfect exercise for you. Kickboxing workouts combine martial arts techniques with heart-pumping cardio, which means you can get a total body workout in no time.
In this article , we will tell you what is kickboxing and the 18 benefits of kickboxing workout you should know.
Table of Contents
What Is Kickboxing?
Kickboxing is a hybrid style of fighting that combines elements of both boxing and karate. It includes punching, kicking, elbow strikes, kneeing, and clinching. Kickboxing can be practiced in the ring or on the street.
The history of kickboxing began with Muay Thai, which was developed by the Thais as a form of self-defense. The first recorded instance of Muay Thai occurred in 1823 when King Rama II of Thailand defeated an opponent using this style of fighting. In the early 1900s, it spread to Europe and became known as “Thai Boxing”. Later on, it was brought back to Asia where it evolved into modern-day kickboxing.
What Are the Benefits of Kickboxing?
There are many health benefits associated with kickboxing training.Here are just a few:
Burn Your Body Calories
Kickboxing is one of the most efficient types of cardio exercise, according to studies, it can burn over 800 calories an hour, making it one of the most effective forms of cardio activity, a person who weighs about 150 pounds can burn up to 12 calories a minute.
Builds Muscle Strength
Kickboxing is a great way to build muscle strength, particularly in the legs and arms, but it also strengthens the core muscles of the abdomen and lowers the back, since they are used to maintain balance during the execution of punches and kicks.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Kickboxing is an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular health. It helps to reduce blood pressure and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. The study showed it also can help to increase your cardiovascular endurance by making your heart and lungs work harder, which in turn, can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Reduces Stress Levels
Studies have shown that kickboxing can help to reduce stress levels. This is likely due to the release of endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects. In addition, the punching and kicking movements in kickboxing can help to release pent-up frustration and anger, leaving you feeling more calm and relaxed.
Weight Loss
If you’re looking to shed some extra pounds, kickboxing can be an effective workout,it provides an aerobic and anaerobic workout, which means you’ll be burning calories long after your workout is over. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a 160-pound person can burn approximately 400 calories in a 30-minute kickboxing workout. In addition, kickboxing builds lean muscle mass, which helps to boost your metabolism and makes it easier to lose weight.
Improves Balance and Activate Our Brain
Kickboxing training can help improve your balance and coordination. This is because it requires you to use both your upper and lower body at the same time. We know that balance is controlled by the Vestibular System, which is located in the inner ear, and it helps us to keep our balance.
The coordination required for kickboxing also activates different parts of the brain, which can help to improve cognitive function, studies found that people who engaged in regular aerobic exercise had better cognitive function than those who did not, it also helps to protect the brain from age-related decline.
Enhances Flexibility
While kickboxing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a workout that will improve your flexibility, it actually can. This is because it involves a lot of kicking and punching movements, which require a full range of motion in the joints. In addition, the stretching and cooling down component of a kickboxing workout can also help to improve flexibility.
Boosts Energy Levels
Kickboxing is a high-intensity workout that can help to give you an energy boost. This is due to the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. In addition, kickboxing can help improve your cardiovascular health, which can lead to increased energy levels.
Improved Coordination
Kickboxing helps improve your coordination by teaching you to move your whole body in unison, which can help with tasks that require coordination in everyday life because it requires you to use both your upper and lower body at the same time, which helps to fine-tune the coordination between the two.
Reduced Risk of Injury
Kickboxing can help reduce your risk of injury because it strengthens the muscles and connective tissues around the joints, which can help to stabilize them.
In addition, kickboxing can improve your balance and coordination, which can help you avoid falls and other accidents.
Improved Posture
Kickboxing can help improve your posture by strengthening the muscles in your back and shoulders. In addition, the stretching and cooling down component of a kickboxing workout can help to lengthen the muscles in the front of the body, which can help to improve posture.
Improved self-esteem and confidence
kickboxing can help give you a sense of accomplishment, which can lead to improved self-esteem and confidence, it can also help improve your body image because it helps you to get in shape and feel strong.
Fights Depression
Kickboxing is such an intense workout, that it can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. In addition, kickboxing can help take your mind off of negative thoughts and give you a sense of accomplishment, which can help to fight depression.
Mental Focus
Kickboxing requires you to be mentally focused in order to execute the techniques correctly, which can help to improve your focus in other areas of life. In addition, kickboxing can help to relieve stress and anxiety, which can lead to improved mental focus.
Improved Flexibility
Kickboxing training can help improve your flexibility. This is because it requires you to use a wide range of motion, which helps stretch and lengthen your muscles.
Better For sleep
Kickboxing can help you sleep better by exhausting your body and calming your mind.
A study found that people who did a moderate-intensity workout like kickboxing slept better than those who didn’t exercise, it can also help to relieve stress and anxiety, which can lead to improved sleep quality.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Kickboxing can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because it helps to improve cardiovascular health and increase insulin sensitivity. In addition, kickboxing can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Cardiovascular health
Kickboxing is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health by strengthening your heart and lungs and reducing your risk of developing heart disease. A study in 2014 found that kickboxing can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you do three days of kickboxing per week for 5 weeks, you will see a significant improvement in your cardiovascular health.
Benefits of Kickboxing – Conclusion
Kickboxing is an excellent way to get in shape and improve your overall health. It is a great cardio workout that can help you burn calories, build muscle strength, and reduce stress levels. It can also help improve your balance and coordination. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to get fit, kickboxing may be the perfect activity for you!
Do you enjoy kickboxing? What other benefits of kickboxing have you experienced? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
