5 Kickboxing Fitness Tips

By: Christina Dagnelli

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Are you looking for 5 kickboxing fitness tips? There are at least fifteen different styles of kickboxing used all over the world; however, kickboxing is not just utilized for self-defense, it is also a fitness routine that builds endurance and muscle mass and makes your heart strong. Kickboxing targets core muscles, arms, shoulders, legs and butt in each session.

Before you begin a kickboxing routine, it is important to adhere to some fitness tips.

Stretch well before and after kickboxing. Make sure your muscles are adequately warmed up as you would do with any aerobic exercise or fitness program. Five minutes on a treadmill or equivalent is enough of a warm up so there is no straining the muscles or causing injuries.
Keep within your body’s normal range of motion. Do not overextend your limbs when kicking or punching, always extend motion fluidly. Kicks should come from the hip and be within the range of your stance. Punches should also stay within your shoulder stance.
Start a kickboxing workout with beginner moves. When you are a beginner at kickboxing, you want to focus on your punches, jabs and kicks. Combination moves will be added later as you progress; getting the basic moves down is part of building the foundation for a healthy kickboxer. The goal is fitness, not looking like Jackie Chan.
Drink plenty of water. You need to stay hydrated. Kickboxing is an intense cardio-workout that will produce sweat from the 500-800 calories that are burned in an hour's session. Water is also lost from respiration; keeping your fluid levels at the correct level is crucial to preventing muscle soreness and heat exhaustion.
Start slow at no more than two sessions a week. Kickboxing is an excellent exercise that can even lead to a competitive hobby, but you do not want to overdo it early then become discouraged. Make sure to add other aerobic activities to your fitness routine during the week to help increase stamina.