Kickboxing Benefits For Body & Mind: Exploring The Science Behind It

Kickboxing practices are ancient practices that were followed even back in the 16^th century. Kickboxing is a combination of combat and martial arts that involves punching, kicking, and very strong footwork.  There are various kickboxing styles like Dutch style, Karate, Sanda, Kun Khmer, and Muay Thai. Kickboxing was traditionally learned with the purpose of self-defense. But, lately, it is followed for fitness, well-being, weight loss, focus, and managing stress. Kickboxing these days is getting popular as a fitness workout over traditional cardio workouts. In this article, we will learn the nuances of kickboxing and its effect on the overall health of an individual.

A] The Science Behind Physical And Mental Benefits Of Kickboxing

1. Physiology of Kickboxing

Kickboxing techniques are mostly learned with the intention of self-defense, where they provoke the fight or flight response because of the adrenalin rush. There is lactic acid produced in the body post kickboxing session which gets cleared from the body in no time. Thus, performing kickboxing is an aerobic activity with faster recovery. The action releases endorphins which are known as feel-good hormones. Repeated rounds of kickboxing shift the body from an aerobic state into an anaerobic state producing lactic acid. Thus, kickboxing improves both aerobic and anaerobic capacities of the body increasing stamina.

2. Psychology of Kickboxing

Kickboxing for beginners might be a little overwhelming and might seem difficult as it needs a lot of strength. A wholehearted dedication, patience, and persistence will help to attain mastery and convert the efforts you put, in your favor and gain benefits. Daily practice helps to increase energy levels, tones the body, strengthens the muscles, and increases concentration, thereby increasing confidence level. This is a game of action and reaction, thus it helps your brain to concentrate more, stay focused, and become more alert.

B] Kickboxing Benefits For Body

1. Cardiovascular Health

Kickboxing being a highly aerobic activity, helps to stabilize the breathing pattern.  Kickboxing practices involve the use of the majority of body muscles which increases the heart rate during performance. An increase in heart rate requires the utilization of oxygen. The higher the oxygen utilization, the higher the breathing capacity. This improves endurance and cardiac health.  Faster recovery from a higher heart rate during the performance is directly proportional to cardiac endurance capacity and cardiac health. A healthy heart manages normal blood pressure, remains free of any blockages, and improves the body’s stamina.

2. Strength and Muscle Toning

Kickboxing involves using the upper body more than the lower body. It focuses on the coordination of the brain, hands, and legs which improves coordination and balance of the body.  There are punches, kicks, and jumps that involve muscles of the whole body. Kickboxing is a high-intensity workout that needs a high level of core strength that helps to strengthen your lean muscles and tone your body. Toning of muscles improves body posture, reduces body fat, and increases flexibility.

3. Weight Management

Aerobic exercise is a very popular form of cardio workout. The aerobic nature of the workout increases the oxygen capacity of the body. The higher the oxygen capacity, the more calories are burned. The high intensity of a workout needs more effort and burns more energy. The cardio nature gives a metabolic boost to the body and reduces cholesterol levels, tones the body, loses the excess fat deposition in the body, and ultimately leads to a healthy weight loss.

C] Mental Benefits Of Kickboxing

1. Stress Reduction

Kickboxing is associated with positive feelings. It produces endorphins which in turn alleviate stress, improve mood, and reduce depression and anxiety. Endorphins are responsible for the feel-good factor for the brain. You get stress relief from kickboxing. Endorphins reduce the stress hormone cortisol leading to a reduction in stress. Kickboxing also helps to channel your emotions like anger and fear in a positive way.

2. Improved Focus and Concentration

As we have seen, kickboxing involves movements like kicking, boxing, and punching. All these techniques are used for self-defense. Kickboxing has an action-reaction protocol, where it needs mind-body coordination to prevent hurting yourself. A misconnection or a delayed response leads to injury. Kickboxing involves the process of eliminating external factors and focusing only on the performance thus, developing the ability to focus and concentrate on the performance. Such balance and coordination are responsible for cognitive development, sharpness, and improved brain functioning.

3. Confidence and Self-Esteem

The feel-good factor of kickboxing makes the memory of kickboxing a pleasant experience, increasing our confidence in the activity. You tend to be more focused on achieving your goals of kickboxing. The pleasant experience makes you want to perform the activity repeatedly for the effects it produces. The feel-good factor involved with kickboxing also boosts self-esteem. The confidence you get once you achieve your kickboxing goals transfers and reflects in your other daily activities too.

D] Getting Started with Kickboxing

Taking the first step is always difficult. Hunting for the best kickboxing trainer in Mumbai is now simplified with various professionals extending their services and knowledge. You get thoroughly trained on how to use gear like hand wraps, thigh pads, head protection, mouth and foot guards, and gloves to be used. Professionals can also train you at home with complete knowledge about how to use equipment like punching bags, jumping ropes, and kettlebells.

Conclusion

Kickboxing has overall positive psychological effects like lifting your mood, de-stressing, improving concentration, and positive cognitive development. It also helps to stay fit, lose weight loss, and improve cardiac health. Kickboxing works not only on the superficial physical levels but also has positive effects on internal body functioning and health. With such busy schedules and a lack of space for workouts, you can hire a personal fitness trainer in Mumbai at your convenience.