The Advantages of Kick Boxing

Kickboxing can trace its roots to several fighting systems, ranging from Muay Thai and karate to traditional boxing. In America, the practice of kickboxing takes both a competitive form, with an aim toward full-contact events, and a cardio fitness form, according to TeensHealth. The latter, in particular, can provide a number of advantages for those physically able to perform the workout but who lack interest in the competitive version of the sport.

  1. Self-Defense

    • While not specifically aimed at self-defense, cardio kickboxing provides a groundwork of self-defense training. According to HealthGuidance, it helps develop good hand-eye coordination and allows the practitioner to practice delivering strong kicks and punches, if necessary.

    Reducing Stress

    • Physical activity helps to reduce stress. Kickboxing provides a scenario in which a person engages in physical activity, while allowing for a degree of controlled violence through the kicks and punches. This can help release anger or feelings of aggression--risk factors for stress--in a socially acceptable way.

    Flexibility

    • The body's flexibility diminishes over time, in part due to natural aging and in part due to decreased activity requiring flexibility. According to a study performed by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), cardio kickboxing improves overall flexibility, as well as strength and reflexes. These benefits can reduce the likelihood of sustaining injury during periods of exertion. However, they develop over time, and beginning kickboxing students can suffer muscle or joint injury from performing the kicks and punches. Taking classes with an experienced instructor can help beginning students avoid injury.

    Heart Health

    • The American Heart Association reports that regular cardiovascular exercise reduces the risk of stroke, obesity and high blood pressure, among several other risk factors for heart problems. Cardio kickboxing can serve as one type of cardiovascular exercise to help a person diminish these risk factors. According to the ACE study, cardio kickboxing can burn 350 to 450 calories per hour, as well as help a person maintain a heart rate within the recommended levels for cardiovascular exercise.

    Improved Mood

    • Physical activities such as kickboxing can have a profound impact on mental health. Cardiovascular exercise causes the release of endorphins, a neurotransmitter that serves as a natural pain inhibitor and mood enhancer. The improvements to muscle tone and weight loss that kickboxing can bring may also improve a person's happiness with his physical appearance, which can enhance confidence.

    All-in-One Exercise

    • Unlike workout programs that focus on specific muscle groups by design or circumstance, kickboxing engages the whole body. According to HealthGuidance, kickboxing engages both the core muscle groups and the smaller muscle groups over the course of a workout.