6 Reasons Why Kickboxing Training is the Best Workout for You
Whether you’re a longtime fan of kickboxing or just recently started taking classes, you’ve probably realized by now that this type of fitness training can be incredibly effective when it comes to getting in shape. Kickboxing combines several different forms of exercise into one, creating the perfect workout routine for any fitness level and helping you get the body you want faster than any other type of exercise can. Here are six reasons why kickboxing training is the best workout for you.
1) Improves cardiovascular health
If you’re looking to stay in shape, one of the best things you can do is engage in kickboxing training. Recent studies have shown that within six weeks, you can increase your stamina and endurance, improved coordination and balance, and reduced your blood pressure. With regular kickboxing classes, you’ll get a jump on all your fitness goals including heart health and weight loss thanks to workouts such as punching and jabbing the heavy bag, uppercuts, and speed bag punching. If you have time for strength training as well, all the better. What do you get in the end? Soon you’ll have a slender figure! Kickboxing is a great way to build up your cardiovascular system. Your heart and lungs are no different from any other muscle in your body, the more you use them, the stronger and more efficient they will become.
2) Keeps weight off
Working out at a gym won’t keep you fit for long if you stop working out. There’s a term for it called fat gain creep, which is when people stay active but don’t lose weight. There are no elliptical machines or treadmills at a kickboxing class, but instead you will learn how to kick and punch a heavy bag. One advantage to the technique is that it will increase your heart rate without the physical and time-consuming toll of cardio workouts. Furthermore, kicking techniques provide an aerobic workout, which will burn calories and might even help you lose weight. In 30 minutes of kicking and punching, a 155-pound person can burn 372 calories. It would take that person five miles to achieve the same result if they ran. And for those of you who weigh 195 pounds, you can burn 547 calories in a half hour of kickboxing training! That’s like running nine miles in an hour!
3) Lowers blood pressure
While both kickboxing and running are proven to improve cardiovascular health, running did not fare as well in research on lowering blood pressure. A study from Mexico concluded that 15 minutes of kickboxing three times per week resulted in lowered blood pressure among young adults by as much as 9%. This might be the toughest part of what I have to say—according to science, an exercise like kickboxing leads to greater long-term reductions in blood pressure. It’s important to remember that a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure – that’s the number that medical professionals care about the most – can decrease cardiovascular disease risk. Kickboxing is both demanding on the coordination of your body’s movements and is taxing on your heart and lungs. One thing it does that is demanding on your heart and lungs is make your body want to keep those muscles healthy so it sends an increasing supply of blood and oxygen.
while exercising with weights or doing yoga at the gym, your natural inclination is to remain seated or lie down on a mat (or bench). These workouts don’t necessarily involve strengthening the muscles commonly strained during daily activities.
4) Relieves stress
Everyone can’t afford a gym membership, not to mention how many responsibilities we all have, including health care. If you look at a typical trip to your local health club or gym, you’ll see what I mean. From dealing with tardiness, getting equipment to work or waiting in lines, these challenges only make things more stressful in an already difficult life. And the cheaper alternative to traditional gym memberships, it’s a good fit for those on a budget. On top of it all, if you have school-aged children, then it’s likely that they are getting into after-school activities too! That being said, there are always great stress relievers that include activities like kickboxing. The intense workout brings the release of endorphins, diminishes anxiety, and provides a soothing outlet for minor frustrations. And if you’re looking for something for yourself, but don’t want to get off the couch or get your kids unattended, this workout is perfect for you. One of the great things about kickboxing training is that you can do it at home and still get good results!
5) Teaches you discipline
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to kickboxing or have been at it for years, going to a martial arts studio will teach you self-discipline. Martial arts takes time and persistence to improve but it’s worth it. On top of getting valuable self-defense skills, your mental sense of self-satisfaction when you finally achieve a goal increases, but consistency is the key. Any exercise routine is beneficial, so if you want an easy way to stick with your workout, signing up for martial arts might be just what you need. Sports and martial arts can increase self-discipline and self-control. They’re a good way to teach someone to set goals, stay focused, get fit, and get along with others. The martial arts culture centers around competitive fighting, camaraderie, and learning and passing techniques while having fun. In addition to having a natural metabolism booster, this form of training will make your bones denser and decrease the likelihood of developing osteoporosis later in life.
6) Increases energy
By exercising, your body releases endorphins, which will in turn relieve your stress and improve your self-esteem. One way to lessen the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress is through doing exercises that raise endorphins. Kickboxing increases levels of endorphins and alters the physiology of the prefrontal cortex, which in turn changes moods. The difference between kickboxing vs gym is that kickboxing’s focus on high-intensity workouts with bursts of energy can produce an immediate rush from this adrenaline release. The continuous motion also engages muscles differently than a traditional cardio workout. Engaging more muscle groups gives you more of a full-body workout, which in turn burns more calories. If you want to lose weight quickly and get into shape fast, then try kicking butt at one of these classes!