Kickboxing is popular in the United States both as a competitive sport and as a way to get a complete, full-body workout. Kickboxing offers myriad benefits to one's physical well-being through muscle conditioning, weight loss and cardiovascular health, and also offers a number of mental benefits, such as stress reduction and improved focus and self-confidence.
History
According to the website Evolution Martial Arts LLC, the sport was created in the United States in the early 1970s. It was created by karate practitioners who wanted to move beyond karate and use the kicks and punches associate with karate to their full potential, meaning full contact. Since that time, kickboxing has evolved into a popular workout and also has spawned professional organizations that compete throughout the world. In the past decade, kickboxing has evolved past a purely competitive sport and into the realm of physical fitness.
Types
The website Evolution of Martial Arts LLC lists nine different variations or types of kickboxing: Adithada, Pradal Serey, Muay Thai, Savate, Sanshou/Sanda, Lethwei, Japanese, Full Contact Karate and Shoot Boxing. The origins of each style can normally be traced to a different nation or region. Cardio kickboxing is the term that's most commonly used in the United States to describe non-competitive kickboxing.
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of kickboxing are many, from improving cardiovascular health to losing weight. Physical activity on its own is a great way to reduce stress. Kickboxing also offers an outlet for aggression and competitiveness, which can further reduce stress. Stress can have negative effects on your overall health.
Cardio exercises are considered to be the best for losing weight and achieving the best results in physical fitness. Kickboxing is one of the best cardio workouts available, as it is a full-body workout. According to the website, NutriStrategy, a kickboxing session can burn as many as 590 calories per hour. hour for someone who weighs 130 pounds, and even up to 931 calories per hour for someone weighing 200 or more pounds. Kickboxing also helps to develop and tone core body muscles in the back and abdomen, as well as the biceps, triceps and leg muscles, according to the website Health Guidance. Kickboxing also improves coordination and flexibility.
Mental Benefits
A good workout can stimulate the release of endorphins in your body. Endorphins are considered to be the happy hormones, as they usually help produce positive feelings and moods. Along with physiological benefits, when you start toning those muscles and losing weight, you'll get a confidence boost when you start looking and feeling better about your body.
Kickboxing is also a great stress reducer, and offers as many mental health benefits as physical benefits. While you're getting a great, full-body workout with kickboxing, you're also gaining a sense of empowerment and self-confidence by learning a few moves that you can use to protect yourself if you ever need to.
Considerations
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the incidence of injury in kickboxing are about equal to that of doing regular aerobic workouts. In a study cited by the College, 29.3 percent of survey respondents who participated in kickboxing reported injuries. Of the people who participated in kickboxing four or more times per week, 43 percent reported injuries. The most common injuries reported were back, knee, hip and shoulder injuries. It's a good idea to ease into your workouts. Start out with an introductory kickboxing class. If you can't find an introductory class, be sure to let your instructor know that you're new to kickboxing. The website Podiatry Network recommends extensive stretching before any kickboxing workout.
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