10 TIPS & REASONS FOR LOSING WEIGHT WITH KICKBOXING
Weights and machines are normally the staple of gym-goers around the globe looking to lose weight. Kickboxing is so often overlooked. But why? Hear us out: you’ll be engaging every muscle throughout the body, combining core and cardio elements. It looks bad-ass too. You can secretly channel your inner Jean-Claude Van Damme, releiving stress as you beat up imaginary opponents.
Here’s some inspiration:
REASONS
1. IT’S JUST PLAIN FUN
Sure, exercising with dumbells, a barbell or even a machine can be fun. It’s also repetitive. For some, exercise is a means to a goal and might not neccissarily be fun. If you want a workout that’s different from the norm, then kickboxing’s for you! It provides variety and with every lesson you learn something new. Jab, uppercut, side kick!
2. KICKBOXING’S A FULLBODY WORKOUT
Where you have to do different exercises and use varying equipment in the gym to train all muscle groups, with kickboxing you can do that in one lesson! A kickboxing class not only has you working on your technique, but also your endurance, flexibility and condition. You’ll notice faster weightloss with regular kickbox lessons and a continous healthy diet.
3. A NEW OUTLET
Kickboxing allows you to vent and release everything you’ve got. Punch away the negatives. You’ll notice a trend of feeling tired, but satisfied. Not only is this very good for your body, but also for your mind. So in addition to losing pounds, you’ll also go through life more relaxed.
4. YOU BURN A LOT OF CALORIES
Your sports outfit is probably soaked after an average kickboxing class. This is because they are intensive workouts, where you burn a lot of calories. Remember, you’re working every muscle while constantly moving around. If you simultaneously ensure a balanced diet, those pounds will come off!
5. GET STRONG ABS
During kickboxing you are continuously punching and kicking and guess three times which muscles are very important? Correct; the abs! If you want to lose weight, it’s important that you build muscle so that you get back in shape. Not to mention that as you twist, you train those obliques as well.
TIPS
6. NO EXCUSES
If you’re going to do kickboxing then go in with all your energy. Because you’re training everything at once, your workout’ll be quite intense. Stay hydrated and eat throughout the day so you don’t go on an empty stomach. Most of all, prepare yourself to do a lot of turning and punching. Go in motivated, knowing you’re going to come out stronger.
7. SET A GOAL FOR YOURSELF
As with any exercise plan, a goal is always good to have. Don’t just focus on numbers on the scale. Maybe you don’t have a goal in terms of weight, but you just want to feel fitter, run up the stairs more easily or run with your (grand) children without panting. Whatever your goal is: choose something that is feasible for you.
8. TRY OUT DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
There’s more to kickboxing than just your average kick or punch. While it’s good to start with the basics, try to spicing up your routine. This way you’ll end up having more fun and might even come away with the goal of performing a certain combo better, for example.
9. BUILDING UP ENDURANCE
If you want to get the most of out of kicboxing, then do a little cardio on the side. Increasing your cardio endurance means improving the uptake of oxygen into your lungs. It’ll mean pushing yourself for longer periods without stopping.
10. SAFETY FIRST
With a Personal Trainer on hand, you’ll be told what you’re doing wrong and how to correct posture. When you’re by yourself, or even working with a partner, ease your way into it. Focus on doing the exercise correctly. Don’t go all gung ho without knowing the basics. Even Van Damme had to start somewhere.