Are you thinking of taking up kickboxing but worry that you should have started as a kid? Starting a training program in kickboxing as an adult is a great way to improve your balance, power, and agility. Indeed, it’s the king of workouts and a skill set that will stay with you.
Want to improve yourself physically and mentally? Here’s how kickboxing can do just that.
Benefits of Kickboxing to an Adult
Kickboxing can feel slightly intimidating as you grow older. The risk of injury can stop you from one of the best experiences of your life. Here is everything you need to know before you sign up.
1. Weight Loss
As we grow older, weight loss becomes an increasingly difficult battle to win. Weight-related health issues are common, serious, and sometimes fatal. The added kilos can impact your bones and reduce your mobility.
Kickboxing can help you with that. Training tends to involve short bouts of repetitive but intense movements that can last for about two to three minutes; this is the equivalent of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for 45 minutes or eight minutes of swimming. Cardio kickboxing burns calories to improve cardiovascular fitness.
2. Better Self-Confidence
Not all adults are confident. But no matter which style of kickboxing you try, including muay Thai or savate, training can definitely bring confidence. In our years of practice at Legends MMA, we have come across many individuals who suffered from a lack of confidence and slowly gained it back through training. It’s never too late to begin.
3. Prepare for Injuries
Part of learning a new sport is embracing all that comes with it. This includes bruises and injuries. It can feel overwhelming at first; after all, no one likes to suffer intentionally. This is part of the learning process that will help you come back stronger. These are the most important things to know before joining your first MMA class.
Accidents and bruises in kickboxing are badges of honour that show what you endured and that you are that much closer to your goal.
Always remember to speak to your trainer about injuries incurred during training. All our classes, including adult MMA classes, are designed to equip adults to train better and build endurance.
4. Better Stress Management
Adult life and stress go hand in hand. Stress impacts our physical and mental health in many ways, with unchecked stress leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Manage your stress before it manages you, through kickboxing.
Insufficient sleep due to a hectic life can contribute to your anxiety. Kickboxing helps to release endorphins that fight stress. Since it’s such a stress-busting regime, you are guaranteed to get some well-earned rest, post-kickboxing session.
5. Busting Stereotypes
Some women shy away from kickboxing, muay Thai, or karate because of the prevalent (and untrue) stereotype that these sports are for men. Thankfully, the increasing number of female participants is proof of that.
If you believe that kickboxing is exclusively competitive, then you could not be further from the truth. At Legends MMA, you are your greatest competition. Our training sessions are designed to cater to your needs to get you healthy and happy.
We suggest you embrace kickboxing because it will improve your body and mind. Our intention isn’t to put you in the ring.
6. Improves Neuromuscular Control
People who suffer from neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) can improve their condition through kickboxing. In multiple sclerosis, for example, there is poor communication between the brain and muscles, leading to problems in activities like walking and talking.
Research indicates that kickboxing strengthens neuromuscular control and helps to improve balance, coordination, and mobility. This is also good news for older people who are prone to fall injuries, as it improves anticipatory and reactive balance.
For instance, anticipatory balance is when you can stabilize yourself as you reach for a higher shelf. Reactive balance is when you can balance yourself when you accidentally trip over something.
7. Adapting Gradually
Being an adult who is new to kickboxing, it may feel quite intense at first. This is natural, but it is important to ease into the sport slowly. Avoid being overly ambitious. Trying to do too much too fast may not be suitable. Communicate with your trainer regarding any physical or medical issues.
For instance, if you have a bad knee or muscle pain, please share it with your trainer. They will create a regime in a controlled environment where you can be introduced to kickboxing systematically. Start slowly to reap the benefits of this wonderful sport.
Kickboxing is a versatile combat sport that doubles as a workout regime. There are different versions of kickboxing all over the world; muay Thai, savate (French kickboxing), Japanese kickboxing and so many others. Here at Legends MMA, we offer muay Thai and savate kickboxing alongside K-1 kickboxing, which is ideal to get started. Additionally, we have a separate program for adults which makes learning this amazing sport fun. Boost your mental and physical health with the power of kickboxing. Get a free trial class!