The Health Benefits of Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a broad term that can be used to describe different forms of martial arts. This makes it somewhat difficult to understand its history. There are groups that claim the true roots of kickboxing date 2000 years ago in Thailand where Muay Thai is practiced as a form of self-defense. It wasn’t coined as “kickboxing” until 1950, though, when Tatsuo Yamada, a Japanese karateka, developed a sport that uses a combination of Muay Thai and Japanese karate. The sport had since then become widely known, and has even reached Europe and the United States with its popularity.

Because of the heart-pumping techniques involved in kickboxing, it has become a popular choice by many who wish to enjoy its benefits without having to fully commit to the sport. Today, most workout programs incorporate kickboxing moves because of their ability to help sculpt muscles and blast fat fast. If you are not into kickboxing yet, here are top reasons you should incorporate it to your workout routine. And don’t worry if the closest you have come to kickboxing was a catfight back in 3^rd grade.

Kick Fat, Fast

Kickboxing workout is loved by many because of its potential to help burn bodily fat fast and efficient. It’s a high-energy sport that can really pump up your cardio and get you to keep moving. The main kickboxing moves alone are enough to help you lose 750 calories within an hour. Add to that the conditioning drills and you could raise the number up to 900. Since kickboxing somewhat involves aerobic moves, it is highly efficient in removing even the most stubborn fat found in your belly.

Engage All Your Muscles

When people hear the term “kickboxing,” what comes into their minds is a sport that purely involves kicking. This is a misconception, though, because kickboxing actually involves all parts of the body including the hands, the elbows, and the knees. It even involves takedowns and throws. This is what makes kickboxing a really effective form of workout. Since your entire body is moving, no muscle group will be left undeveloped. You’ll also burn more calories by performing kickboxing moves. Through kickboxing, you will be able to burn fat, strengthen your core, and improve your coordination, flexibility, and reflexes at the same time.

Stay Sexy and Confident

Being able to kick someone else’s butt seems quite sexy, but more importantly, kickboxing can help you achieve the shape you want in just a matter of weeks. Kickboxing moves are so intensive that doing the workout will allow you to see changes in your body really quickly, and nothing can up your confidence than being able to see your transformation from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan. The key, of course, is to be consistent and to sign up for the right program that will be able to guide you through until the end. You’ll feel sexier and more confident after seeing your accomplishment.

Beat the Stress

One of the major benefits of kickboxing is that it helps you kick the hell out of stress. As we all know, stress is considered by experts a major root of many forms of sickness and diseases, so dealing with it should be our main priority. This is where kickboxing comes in. As a form of exercise, kickboxing can help increase the release of endorphins in your body. Endorphins are “feel good” chemicals released by the central nervous system. Their main purpose is to inhibit pain signals, but can also provide feelings of euphoria. Kickboxing can also be an outlet for you when you’re feeling frustrated. Instead of beating up someone at work or in the streets, kickboxing lets you release your aggression in the gym.

Stay Alive

It might sound exaggerated as most people learn kickboxing simply for the workout aspect, but when the time comes, kickboxing might just save your life. Knowing how to perform the moves is important, but knowing why you are performing them and in the way you do is crucial.

Moreover, possessing the ability to defend yourself is a very valuable asset. When you’re in a life-threatening situation, such as when you are being robbed, it would be empowering to know that you have the knowledge and the ability to protect yourself and the people you love. It seems to be just a bonus, but really, it’s not. Personally, I believe this is the most important health benefit you can get from kickboxing.