Kickboxing is a combination of boxing, martial arts, and aerobics that requires little to no equipment. Not only are your chances of getting bored slim to none, but there are several health benefits you can gain from kickboxing. You can expect everything from body weight exercises, resistance training, cardio kickboxing, to a fun energizing environment!
High Calorie Burn
On average, you can burn anywhere between 300–800 calories during a 45-minute kickboxing session with also continuing to burn calories for up to 24-48 hours after a class!
Cardiovascular Health
Kickboxing is a great cardio workout and sure to get your heart racing. Classes are designed to improve blood circulation, cardiovascular strength, and endurance one kick at a time. Holding proper form requires strict muscle activation, which tightens and tones your body, while the quick pace and fast movements keep your heart rate elevated from start to finish.
014 studyTrusted Source showed that participating in kickboxing three days a week for one hour at a time increased maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max).
VO2max is the measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen you can use during physical activity. It’s an indicator of your cardiovascular endurance . The higher it is, the more efficiently your body is getting and using oxygen.
Muscle Strength
In the same 2014 study, participants saw improved muscle strength in both the upper and lower body.
A small study that looked at the effects of kickboxing in people with multiple sclerosis showed that kickboxing three days per week resulted in improved coordination and balance.
Total Body Workout
Your entire body is always engaged during kickboxing. Jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts work your upper body, leaving your chest, arms, shoulders, and core feeling tight and tired in a matter of seconds. And let’s not forget lower body. Round-house kicks, front kicks, and side kicks get your butt and thighs toned in no time.
Coordination
Following a structured, step-by-step workout may seem daunting at first, but our fitness kickboxing program will start you at the perfect pace, focusing on proper technique and basic movements. This will improve your coordination, flexibility, balance, and sharpen your reflexes.
Relieves Stress
Kickboxing is not only physical, but mental, too. It relieves stress, builds confidence, and demands self-discipline. Few things relieve stress more than practicing a round-house kick while picturing that work project.
Learn Self Defense
This is a perk not too many workout plans can boast. Kickboxing is not only great for your mind and body, but it also has a very practical usage as a means to learn self-defense. According to kickboxing expert for Black Belt magazine Addy Hernandez, kickboxing uses jabs and strikes that can be transferred into practical defense applications. While martial arts–inspired workouts may have a lot of frills that aren’t necessarily adaptive to real life, kickboxing’s straightforward movements and cardio training set it apart.
So get ready to sweat and punch like a champ.