It's not complete acting or pretention all the time. Heroes may have real qualities as well. For instance, Jean Claude Van Damme did not need to learn kickboxing while playing the role of the "Kickboxer". He had been a prized kickboxer in his real life as well since his teen years. What you need to realize is that, kickboxing has nothing to do with being a celebrity or a professional in the related area. Any guy next door can join kickboxing classes to fulfill their recreation needs. And it's not only about recreation, but also about self-defense, workout, weight loss and getting de-stressed.
What is Kickboxing?
Kickboxing is a mixture of an aegir sport with elegance of martial arts in it. Like other sports, kickboxing is also performed by men, women and even children. In the recent years, kickboxing has evolved as a competitive sport along with being a mechanism of workout and self-defense. Regardless of what draws you to kickboxing, this active form of exercise has the ability to benefit your health in multiple important ways. The fitness version of kickboxing is also referred to as aerobic or cardio kickboxing. Unlike the usual kickboxing, the cardio kickbox doesn't require any equipment. Being regular with kickboxing, will make you observe betterment in the overall quality of your life.
The Top 8 Benefits of Kickboxing Which May Convince You to Make a Start
- Aids in Weight Loss: Like other physical workouts, kickboxing also burns, tones and builds muscle and all these can lead to weight loss. Depending upon the type and the intensity of kickboxing, the number of calories burnt varies. According to a study conducted by the ACE, 350 to 450 calories can be burned in an hour with kickboxing! The study also indicates that one can burn even more calories while conflating a combination of upper and lower body kickboxing steps. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests performing cardio activities such as kickboxing for 30 minutes a day and five days a week to get the best weight loss results.
- Relieves Stress: Kickboxing can be used as a stress relieving technique. According to the AFPA (American Fitness Professionals and Associates), kickboxing releases the hormone endorphin, a feel good hormone in the body that relieves pain and aids in decreasing depression. A kickboxer can visualize the stressor on the bag and pound it with kicks or punches, thereby channeling out his frustration.
- Improves Posture: Kickboxing workouts will help you build up your core muscles. These muscles denote the ones in your abdomen and lower back. The core muscles respond best to the exercises that require minimal load and prolonged tension in the muscles. In kickboxing workout, core muscles will be working constantly. The abs has to work through several planes of motion while you twist your body to throw a punch, lift your leg to give up a kick and move your hips to change the direction with a move. Since kickboxing challenges your whole body and your small muscle groups also get involved during a session, this in turn, helps in improving your flexibility and posture.
- Acts as a Mechanism of Self Defense: Like other martial art versions, even the cardio or fitness kickboxing can be used as a self defense tool. Punches and kicks should be well practiced with correct technique and timing. However, practical application of the techniques on a target or punching bag must be ingrained.
- Improves Coordination: If you notice a poor coordination and weak reflexes in your posture, then kickboxing might be a solution for you. Kickboxing improves your body reflexes and coordination acquirement especially the eye-hand coordination.
- Contributes Towards Full Body Workout: You must perform workout for the entire body and should do both cardio and resistance workout. And, kickboxing offers you the same. No part of your body is left out solely while performing this workout. With the simultaneous working of the core muscles, the giant muscles of the thighs and the small muscle groups of the hand and the feet, you can really experience a complete body workout with kickboxing.
- Improves Endurance and Strengthens the Heart: Cardio kickboxing conditions your heart efficiently. Kickboxing movements cause your heart to pump the blood more rapidly, which in turn, strengthens the heart progressively. Your stamina will begin to increase. In the long run, it also helps one to control blood pressure. Kickboxing has a positive impact on the cardiovascular as well as on the respiratory system.
- Improves Balance: With its spring fast twists and turns, kickboxing can improve your stability and balance. As we grow older, our gait becomes less bouncy and there is a fall in steadiness as well. Incidences of falls also increase with age due to decreased stability. A good balance will help to prevent falls in later life and preventing falls, in turn, will help to prevent bone fractures. A University of Dayton research (2011) had tried to show the benefits of kickboxing for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study concluded that kickboxing is effective in improving balance and gait in MS patients.
A Note
Before committing yourself to kickboxing, it is advisable to get an approval from your doctor. As a beginner, engage in light exercises first. Do not tighten or lock your joints while delivering a punch or kick. Loose and comfortable apparel that fits you should be worn during the session.
It's not that you'll get to see some great movements and stunts onscreen from your favorite film actors and actresses. You can also draw a pretty good crowd around you while showcasing your skills. And remember, you are also very special and just like a celebrity in the eyes of your family members.
I strongly recommend it.