There is no denying that kick-boxing is one of the best ways to workout. The combination of cardio and strength training tones muscles, while burning fat. It is the perfect form of cardio because kick-boxing provides an aerobic workout that burns calories and can help one lose weight.
Kick-boxers have more muscle mass and a low percentage of body fat as kick-boxing provides a high-intensity, high-impact workout that keeps one constantly in motion. One stays motivated as kick-boxing typically involves working one-on-one with a trainer. Whether one is looking to tone their arms, legs, or core, there is no area of the body that kick-boxing will not tighten or tone. The heart rate remains high throughout the session, which means one keeps burning calories. On average, one loses up to 800 to 1,000 calories per session.
The sport also makes for some good cross-training. If one is bored of their usual weight training routine or cardiovascular routine, kick-boxing makes for a good break. Cross-training offers variety and challenge. For instance, people who only do weight training often do not have the best endurance and people who only do cardio probably are not the strongest people around. Kick-boxing incorporates aspects of both cardio and weight training, making one fitter and healthier. It can help strengthen neuromuscular control and improve balance, mobility and dual tasking abilities, which are skills one must hone before hitting old age.
Here are the benefits of taking up kick-boxing:
High-calorie burn: Tight schedules and fitness goals can increase one’s stress levels. The best thing one can do is make exercises as efficient as possible. Kickboxing burns between 400-500 calories within half-an-hour and can also help reduce weight! Not only is one burning calories, but also toning all muscle at the same time.
Improves cardio-vascular health: Regular exercise can improve one’s cardiovascular health. To improve one’s maximal oxygen consumption, and cardio respiratory endurance, one should try kick boxing three days a week for an hour at a time.
Strengthens reflexes:While kick-boxing our brain learns to act quickly as it responds to punches, hones reflexes, and memorises combos. The stronger one is on the inside, the better they will be able to perform on the outside.One can build a strong, sharp mind along with a powerful body
Strengthens the core: One needs a strong core to generate speed, and power. One’s core is one’s centre of power. Every punch and kick immediately engages the core. Stronger core muscles protect the back and provide abdominal strength.By combining both punches and kicks, one can work on both the upper and lower body, simultaneously.
Increases endurance and physical output: Kickboxing can help increase stamina, endurance, and improve one’s overall ability to perform physical activities. More blood circulation means the muscles get more oxygen, nutrients, and protein.
Improves sleep: When one doesn’t get enough quality sleep every night, the body does not get a chance to effectively repair itself, making one vulnerable to illnesses. Lack of sleep causes weight gain, lack of alertness, and makes one forgetful. Getting enough sleep improves one’s mood and ability to think, and increases energy levels.
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( The writer is a Chandigarh-based fitness trainer)
