Working out is a necessary evil for many. But it’s just something you need to do to stay healthy, like eating broccoli or taking your vitamins. Some people enjoy working out and others not so much. But there is one type of workout that almost everyone enjoys: boxing/kickboxing.
If you want to burn calories and get a vigorous cardiovascular workout, then boxing/kickboxing is ideal for you. Boxing/kickboxing burns calories, tones muscles, and builds endurance- all of which are essential for staying fit and healthy. Boxing/kickboxing is also great for improving your coordination and balance.
Boxing and kickboxing are excellent choices for exercise. Burn fat or build lean muscle. Get in great shape while learning a powerful skill. These days, people are moving their workouts away from the gym into their homes and outdoors. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also more convenient. Here’s what you need to know about getting started with boxing or kickboxing.
You’ll get a killer workout
These workouts are not just for aspiring boxers and kickboxers. These high-intensity interval training workouts are designed to help you shed kilos, improve your fitness level, and give you a body like a pro fighter. It’s more than just punching. Boxing and kickboxing are the perfect combo of cardio and strength training that will take your fitness to the next level. This high-intensity workout will get your heart pumping with high knees, planks, push-ups, burpees, squats, jump ropes and more!
It’s good for your mental health
Many people suffer from stress, depression and anxiety. Boxing/kickboxing has proven to be an excellent way of combating these issues by giving people somewhere they can vent their frustrations and get some much-needed exercise in the meantime.
Boxing has been proven to reduce stress, increase focus, boost concentration and improve memory. It also increases levels of serotonin in the brain – the neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
You’ll release happy chemicals/dopamine
Dopamine, serotonin and endorphins are all released during exercise, which can help lift your mood and keep you feeling positive. And exercise doesn’t have to be complicated to release these natural “happy chemicals.”
Self-defence is always a good skill to have
These types of martial arts teach you technique, but also the importance of not engaging in a fight when possible. And if you do have to engage, it teaches you to use your fists or feet as weapons and how to quickly incapacitate your opponent.
It boosts confidence
Like a boxer or kickboxer, you spend many hours training your body and mind. You’ll learn how to throw punches and kicks properly while getting stronger along the way. Over time, this can significantly boost your confidence.
Instead of having to focus on complex choreography, boxing allows you to focus on timing, agility and power. As a result, your coordination and balance will improve.
Reduces stress
Boxing is a great way to release any pent up frustration or anger you may be holding onto. When punching, it is important that you do so with purpose and intention, which can help clear your mind from the stresses of the day.
Your coordination and balance will improve
Boxing offers a unique physical challenge because it requires both mental focus and physical exertion. You have to anticipate your opponent’s movements while throwing punches, jumping rope or doing pushups at the same time. This can make boxing seem like two workouts in one.
Boxing requires you to be able to perform several movements at high speed while keeping your balance. Improved coordination improves your ability to perform daily functions because it helps all your senses work together more efficiently. In addition, as you age, your balance diminishes; however, through training, you can increase your balance and prevent injuries associated with falling or tripping.
Boxing/kickboxing builds muscle and burns fat
Boxing and kickboxing are aerobic exercises that increase heart rate and metabolism, helping to burn calories and strengthen the body. Both of these sports involve high-intensity anaerobic activity, which increases muscle mass. This activity also burns fat, leading to increased weight loss over time.
Improves Strength & Endurance
Boxing is a full-body workout that is great for improving both strength and endurance. This sport’s combination of cardio and resistance training makes it one of the most effective activities for burning calories and building muscle simultaneously.
It improves your physical health such as blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance in diabetics; lowering cholesterol levels; helping reduce hypertension; and helps to strengthen bones to prevent osteoporosis.
Boxing/kickboxing improves cognitive function and memory
Boxing/kickboxing has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults. Performing a single boxing/kickboxing session improved the mental focus and memory of a group of middle-aged women, according to a study. The study found that participants also had lower levels of stress after the workout.
Boxing/kickboxing is mentally stimulating. This requires mental concentration and focus on technique, form, your opponent and the next move. Focus during boxing/kickboxing helps you build mental stamina.
Bottom Line
Boxing/Kickboxing is one of the best exercises you can do. It offers a range of health benefits, from aerobic exercise to a healthy release of dopamine. If you have always been interested in trying boxing or kickboxing and want to see where you may fit as far as skill level is concerned, it’s also good for self-defence training. Boxers and kickboxers are known for their coordination, balance, and body strength. Boxing and kickboxing require different skill sets, so both sports are definitely recommended.
Boxing and kickboxing provide a full-body workout. The sport is aerobic and anaerobic, it improves your circulation and helps with your flexibility. It also is improving for mental health issues such as reducing depression and anxiety, boosting self-esteem, and reducing stress. In addition to these benefits, you’ll also get a nice high from the release of dopamine that comes from hitting something hard with all your might.
Boxing and kickboxing are fantastic fitness activities, but they can be much more than just exercise. They can give you the tools you need to improve your physical health and your mental health, helping to increase self-confidence, coordination, balance, and more. If you’re motivated to start boxing/kickboxing, just find a good trainer/coach and get going.