Benefits of Fitness Kickboxing

A 2014 studyTrusted Source showed that participating in kickboxing three days a week for one hour at a time increased maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max).

VO₂max is the measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen you can use during physical activity. It’s an indicator of your cardiovascular endurance. The higher it is, the more efficiently your body is getting and using oxygen.

In the same 2014 study, participants saw improved muscle strength in both the upper and lower body.

A small study that looked at the effects of kickboxing in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) showed that kickboxing three days per week resulted in improved coordination and balance.

Though only 11 participants completed testing and training, the results of this study suggest that kickboxing may help improve reactive and anticipatory balance. This, in turn, could reduce your risk of falls as you age.

It’s no secret that regular exercise can help you manage your weight.

Kickboxing provides an aerobic workout that burns calories and can help you lose weight. ResearchTrusted Source shows that elite and amateur kickboxers have more muscle mass and lower percentages of body fat.

A person who weighs 155 pounds can burn 372 calories during just 30 minutes of kickboxing.

Exercise and martial arts have been linked to improved confidence and self-esteem. Self-confidence plays an important role in kickboxing, and many studios emphasize confidence-building as part of training.

A 2010 review Trusted Source suggests that practicing martial arts improves self-confidence in youths. Exercise in general has also been linked to improved self-esteem.

Martial arts, including kickboxing, and other forms of exercise have been linked to improved mental health and positive feelings.

Kickboxing involves aerobic and anaerobic exercise, both of which positively impact mood. It does this by increasing endorphins and producing changes in the part of the brain that can improve stress, anxiety, and depression.

Kickboxing is usually safe for most people. But as with any sport that involves whole-body movements, kickboxing can cause injuries.

A 2003 studyTrusted Source that looked at the incidence of injuries in people who participate in kickboxing for fitness found the most common injuries to be strains of the shoulders, back, hips, knees, and ankles.

If you already have injuries affecting these areas, speak to your doctor before taking up kickboxing.

It’s also a good idea to speak to your doctor before starting any new exercise, especially if you have an underlying heart or lung condition.

If you’re new to kickboxing, you may find the following tips helpful:

• Ease into kickboxing slowly to reduce your risk of injury.
• Consider your goals (for example, fitness, weight loss, or competition) when choosing a kickboxing class.
• Aim to participate in kickboxing at least three days per week for one hour at a time.
• Make sure to fuel up properly beforehand and stay hydrated while working out.

Kickboxing can increase your stamina, strength, and overall fitness.

Before you give kickboxing a try, talk to your doctor to see if they have any concerns.

If you get the go-ahead, start by taking it slow. Work toward one-hour sessions three times a week to reap the many health benefits that this exercise offers.