If you’ve been looking to lose weight you might have tried the common strategy of going to the gym and running on the treadmill, using the elliptical, cycling, or rowing machines. For many, these workouts can be monotonous and lengthy. Luckily, these options are not the only way to lose weight. Kickboxing for weight loss is an excellent strategy to avoid these boring options while being an extremely good workout in its own right!
Kickboxing is a calorie burner
Kickboxing is an excellent way to burn calories for anybody! Kickboxing is intense, while also being dynamic and engaging. If you’ve never kickboxed before, you might be surprised to learn that punching, kicking, knees and everything in between will get anybody’s heart rate pumping, even more than exercise counterparts such as swimming, if done repeatedly! Kickboxing for weight loss is especially effective for this reason.
Furthermore kickboxing is synonymous with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a proven method for effective calorie burning and weight loss. During a kickboxing session, you alternate between bursts of intense activity and short periods of rest or lower-intensity movements. This not only spikes your metabolism during the workout but also triggers the afterburn effect, causing your body to continue burning calories even after you’ve finished exercising.
Studies have shown that HIIT workouts, like kickboxing, can be more effective at burning calories than traditional steady-state cardio exercises. The quick, explosive movements characteristic of kickboxing demand a significant amount of energy, making it an efficient and time effective option for those who are not necessarily willing to run on the treadmill for a couple hours..
Kickboxing is a full body workout
While many other regular sports and activities have emphasis on some body parts over others, this is not a problem kickboxing has. A good kickboxing workout will activate all muscles in the body! Kicks and knees will activate the lower muscles in your body such as your glutes, your hips, and your legs. Punches will activate the upper body muscles in your chest, shoulders and arms. However when done with proper technique, every strike activates every part of your body! The core and back, legs and hips are key for maximum strength on your strikes. When training in kickboxing for weight loss, no muscles in your body are left behind!
Kickboxing workouts have variety
Often, the issue with exercises such as the treadmill or cycling is that you’re doing the same thing. Every time. Kickboxing is a different story. On the surface, kickboxing just looks like punching and kicking. However, kickboxing is an incredibly deep sport, with an infinite amount of exercises and techniques you can use as a workout, and even to get better! Kickboxing gyms such as us at 1MR are useful tools for variety with experienced professional instructors who will be giving you a variety of kickboxing related exercises to lose weight in different engaging and dynamic ways.
Kickboxing gyms with positive environments
Another benefit of using kickboxing for weight loss is attending a gym with other people who might have similar goals as you! Here at 1MR we are committed to a positive and empathy driven environment where everyone’s different goals are valued, and you can go at your own pace judgment free. Group environments with instructors are also helpful for pushing yourself further, getting encouragement from your fellow gym members and instructors.
Kickboxing is for all fitness levels
One of the benefits of kickboxing for weight loss is that anyone with any athletic and fitness level can participate! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, kickboxing can be tailored to meet your specific needs and abilities. Many gyms such as 1MR offer classes for different fitness and kickboxing skill levels, ensuring that everyone, no matter the background or abilities can take the kickboxing class that’s right for them.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being
Beyond kickboxing’s physical benefits for weight loss, kickboxing is a good stress-reliever and mood enhancer. The release of pent-up energy, and the focus required during a kickboxing session can significantly reduce stress levels. Stress management is a crucial component of successful weight loss to maintain focus on your goals.
The endorphin release during kickboxing acts as a natural mood booster. Endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, not only help combat stress but also alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. When you’re in a positive and empowered mindset, sticking to a healthy diet and exercise routine becomes more achievable, which further leads to sustained weight loss success.
Tips for Maximizing Your Kickboxing Weight Loss Journey
To make the most of your kickboxing workouts and enhance your weight loss efforts, consider the following tips:
- Consistency is Key: Aim for at least three kickboxing sessions per week to see significant results. Consistent, regular workouts are crucial for building stamina, burning calories, and achieving long-term weight loss goals.
- Combine with a Balanced Diet: While kickboxing is a potent calorie-burner, pairing it with a balanced and healthy diet is essential for effective weight loss. Ensure you’re consuming nutrient-dense foods to support your energy levels and recovery.
- Hydrate Adequately: Proper hydration is vital for any weight loss regimen. Water helps regulate body temperature and transport nutrients to cells. Drink water before, during, and after your kickboxing sessions to stay hydrated.
- Include Strength Training: Supplement your kickboxing weight loss routine with strength training exercises. Building muscle mass boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even at rest.
- Get Enough Rest: Adequate rest is crucial for recovery and overall well-being. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep each night to support your body’s healing and regeneration processes.
Kickboxing for losing weight is not just beneficial because it’s great at getting your heart pumping and activating your full body, but also because the variety always means you can go back to the gym and get something new. The gym is also an encouraging environment for someone using kickboxing for weight loss where you can meet other members and instructors to help push you towards your goals. Using kickboxing as a weight loss tool is also a great way to reduce stress levels and emotionally regulate yourself.
