Kickboxing Basics: With the rise in popularity of kickboxing in recent years, more people are discovering the incredible advantages of kicking a heavy bag instead of just practicing in the air. Here are six amazing benefits you can enjoy from kicking a heavy bag, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned kickboxer.
6 Benefits of Kicking a Heavy Bag
1 – Torches Calories
Kickboxing offers an intense, full-body workout experience. When you add a heavy bag into the mix, it really amps up the challenge. Since you’re engaging your entire body to deliver powerful kicks, you’ll burn more calories compared to just throwing punches. Plus, this workout targets several key muscle groups, including your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and core. Building muscle mass turns your body into an efficient fat-burning engine.
2 – Increases Cardio Stamina
Have you ever attempted to kick a bag ten times consecutively? It may seem simple, but the power behind each kick and the resistance from the bag really gets your heart pumping. With practice, this can significantly improve your cardiovascular endurance and stamina, allowing you to power through your workouts with confidence.
3 – Improves Balance and Coordination
Have you attempted to kick the bag ten times so far? Did you feel your balance and coordination skills starting to shine? To successfully land a kick without losing your footing, you need to have solid balance and coordination, particularly when targeting different areas of the bag, like low, middle, or high.
4 – Mental Workout
Kickboxing is one of the few workouts that truly clears my mind while I’m engaged in it. If you’ve ever heard the term “getting in the zone,” that’s exactly what I mean. Being “in the zone” signifies a state where your mind is free from distractions, allowing you to concentrate fully on the moment. Unlike running or biking, which can be more mindless, kickboxing demands your attention on technique, body mechanics, and the coordination of combinations, head movement, and footwork to effectively deliver your punches and kicks.
5 – Stress Reliever
Have you ever felt that urge to just hit something? Well, here’s a fun twist: kicking can be just as satisfying! One of my go-to stress busters is to really let loose on a heavy bag. It’s an awesome way to release tension while getting a solid workout. Whenever I’m feeling frustrated or let down, I dive into a kickboxing session to channel that energy positively. Plus, my kids love to join in and take their turns on the bag, and it works wonders for them too!
6 – Self Defense
Mastering kicks and self-defense techniques can be incredibly empowering. Plus, the cardio workout you’ll get from kickboxing can provide that extra motivation you need to fend off an attacker. Are you prepared to train like a champion? Unlock a treasure trove of workouts, including boxing, kickboxing, strength training, conditioning, recovery, and stretching, designed to challenge you both mentally and physically.