The Physical and Mental Benefits of Muay Thai Kickboxing

The sport of Muay Thai has certainly taken the martial arts stage by storm, as year after year, more people are becoming aware of the sport. Even though it’s not as popular as western-style boxing, Muay Thai combines your 4 limbs into a deadly, yet elegant combination of strikes, making it one of the most intense martial arts discipline.

It is one sport that requires dexterity, strength and stamina. Of course, it isn’t complete without adding one’s mental toughness to the equation. The sport goes beyond self defense and aesthetic values. The conditioning endured during Muay Thai sessions will greatly help your body, strength, stamina and overall health.

Fit Body

For those wanting to beat that dreaded weight scale or perhaps just wanting to sculp their body into perfection, Muay Thai is a great addition to your fitness agenda. The intense exercises and drills will vigorously burn the calories and melt the fat, as almost every part of your body is constantly moving in a speedy combination of kicks and punches. With the jab of a left arm and a devastating strike from your right knee, the exercises will get you lean, fit and also a proportionate body.

Mental Toughness

Like all martial arts, it’s not about haphazardly punching and kicking, but the mental strategy that every good fighter must have. Your mind will be trained to make decisive moves and when to use those moves. Your mental alertness must constantly be on point at all times. Inside the ring, your confidence will be tested, as the hungriest fighter will most likely win. Muay Thai doesn’t only incorporate your physical body, but the brain that controls that body, so it’s always tested.

Leg Strength

The use of your lower body is what gives Muay Thai its unique reputation. You’ll find that the exercises and drills will strengthen your leg just as effective as going to the gym. Learning how to deliver a bone-cracking kick strengthens the muscles of your quads and calves. In addition, your knee will greatly benefit from its various exercises as it trained to help deliver that knock out blow. From roundhouse kicks, to a knee strike, every muscle in your lower body will greatly benefit.

Increase in Overall Vitality/Core Strength

It won’t happen overnight, but with proper discipline, the Muay Thai student can improve their overall strength. Most people think of strength as having a six-pack and towering biceps and although Muay Thai could help achieve that, it’s the strength you’ll earn after the hard work you clock in that matters. You might have to take a couple of punches at first, but the boost in your strength is simply priceless. The fast-paced movements of the sport will truly push the boundaries of your body.

Stress Relief

You build up a hefty load of stress during the day and sometimes it’s a nice feeling to punch, kick or elbow something. Due to the physical stress (the good kind) and the fast-paced action you’ll endure during training sessions, you’ll focus on you and the exercise. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and socialize in a different environment.

Muay Thai is a great sport for just about anyone. Of course, different people will need different levels of endurance. Don’t be afraid to slow it down if you have to. Ask questions if you’re not sure about a move and take regular breaks. Be sure to consult your physician before choosing a new physical journey for safety measures. Most importantly, enjoy your time practicing the sport.